This American History Tellers episode delves into one of rugby's most iconic matches — the 1905 contest between New Zealand's undefeated All Blacks and Wales during New Zealand's inaugural European tour. Pitted against each other were New Zealand's dominant side with their signature black uniforms and ritual haka, and the underdog Welsh team steeped in working-class rugby roots.
The summary explores the psychological tactics Wales employed to challenge the vaunted All Blacks, including a pre-game Welsh anthem performance and a revamped offensive playing style. It chronicles the nail-biting, low-scoring match and Wales' historic 3-0 upset over the previously unbeaten All Blacks — a landmark victory that sparked an enduring rivalry between the rugby powers.
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On their first European tour, the All Blacks had decimated top English clubs like Devon (55-4), earning a reputation for their signature black uniforms, ceremonial haka, and undefeated 26-0 record. Meanwhile, Wales took pride in their working-class rugby roots and underdog status, eager to challenge the "unbeatable" All Blacks.
Guided by rugby administrator Tom Williams' observations, the Welsh team developed a new speedy, attacking formation inspired by the All Blacks. They also sang their national anthem "Old Land of My Fathers" before kickoff - a first at a sporting event - both to boost morale and unsettle the All Blacks, per Tom's strategy.
The two evenly matched sides remained scoreless for the first 20 minutes. But Welsh player Teddy Morgan then scored a spectacular try, outmaneuvering defenders. Near the end, New Zealand's Bob Deans appeared to score a try that would tie it, but the referee controversially did not award it after consulting the touch judge, preserving Wales' 3-0 lead.
Wales' win marked the first defeat for the previously unbeaten All Blacks on their tour - a huge upset and watershed moment establishing Wales' rugby prowess. It ignited an enduring rivalry, with Wales and New Zealand exchanging future wins. The 1905 centenary was celebrated with another match, underscoring the game's lasting national pride and rugby legacy.
1-Page Summary
The 1905 match between Wales and the All Blacks was set against a background of Welsh underdog spirit and the All Blacks' unparalleled dominance in rugby.
The All Blacks, on their first European tour, had an unbeaten record of 26 games, during which they faced and defeated some of the best sides in England. For example, the Devon Rugby Club, considered one of the best in England, suffered a 55 to 4 loss to the All Blacks—a match that was considered a humiliation for English rugby and a testament to the prowess of the New Zealand team. Following this and other victories, they became known as the All Blacks due to their distinctive black uniforms. Their pre-game haka, a traditional Māori ceremonial routine, contributed to their formidable reputation, often striking fear into the hearts of their opponents before the match even began. This reputation was solidified with impressive wins such as their 44-0 triumph over Gloucester Rugby Club.
Wales, a rugby powerhouse and the smallest of the four nations making up the UK, had not lost a home game in six years and considered rugby to be akin to a religion, with the sport deeply embedded in the working-class culture of miners and farmers. Despite their successes, there was discrimin ...
The background and buildup to the 1905 match between Wales and the All Blacks
The Welsh rugby team has implemented new tactics and strategies in an effort to elevate their game, taking inspiration from the All Blacks' playing style and using their national anthem as a psychological tool.
The Welsh team, guided by Tom Williams' observations of the All Blacks, has adopted an unorthodox formation that emphasizes speed and agility. Influenced by the All Blacks’ highly attacking lineup that features speedier backs in place of heavier-built forwards, the Welsh team aims to "play them at their own game." They have spent two months tirelessly preparing a new formation, hoping to counterbalance the All Blacks' signature playing style.
In an innovative move and for the first time at a sporting event, the Welsh team and fans sang their national anthem, "Old Land of My Fathers," in the stadium before the game started. This act not only served as a morale booster for the team but also as a means to psychologically unsettle the All Blacks. The idea, proposed by Tom to his colleague Gwyn, was to respond to the All Blacks' haka with their o ...
The new tactics and strategies employed by the Welsh team
The historic sporting event under review was filled with tension, skillful play, and a touch of controversy, all leading to a memorable and consequential outcome.
For much of the game, the scoreboard remained untouched, with neither team being able to break the stalemate. Both teams appeared equally matched, struggling to gain a decisive advantage over the other. Even 20 minutes into the game, the two sides were deadlocked with a score of zero to zero.
However, the game’s first and only points came from a spectacular play by Welsh player Teddy Morgan, who succeeded in scoring the match's first try. Morgan’s remarkable effort included evading multiple defenders and sprinting the length of the field to cross into the try zone. This feat not only gave Wales an early lead but also invigorated the home crowd, adding to the match’s intensity.
In the closing moments, the match teetered on the brink of controversy. The All Blacks, New Zealand’s national rugby team, saw their winger, Bob Deans, make a significant play that could have turned the game around. D ...
The dramatic events and outcome of the historic match
The 1905 rugby match between Wales and the All Blacks from New Zealand holds a hallowed place in the annals of sports history. This match left a lasting legacy and sparked a rivalry that endures to this day.
Wales’ triumph over the All Blacks was a watershed moment in rugby history. It was a significant victory given the fact that the All Blacks were undefeated before this game, marking the first time New Zealand experienced defeat on their UK tour. This landmark win is still celebrated for its importance in establishing Wales as a formidable force in rugby.
The 1905 game ignited a profound and long-standing rivalry between the Welsh team and the All Blacks. This competitive spirit has been reflected in the numerous encounters between the two teams over the years. It took a full century for a subsequent match in 2005 to commemorate the initial clash from 1905, in which the All Blacks gained revenge with a victory over Wales, signifying the enduring competitive nature between these two rugby powerhouses ...
The lasting legacy and impact of the 1905 match
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