Captain Dewi Lake says he at all times believed Wales may defeat New Zealand and finish the 73-year hoodoo in opposition to the All Blacks.
Wales by no means trailed within the 35-28 victory as they produced a powerful show to beat New Zealand for the primary time since 1953.
Wales had misplaced the earlier 34 matches within the fixture and had odds of 20-1 with the bookmakers earlier than this sport.
However Lake says the group thought they might win.
"In fact we did," mentioned Lake. "Generally we sit in entrance of the media and say we are able to beat them and it's most likely a passing remark for some media retailers or individuals at residence.
"It's not for us. We work onerous, now we have robust conversations, not solely gamers, however coaches and workers.
"There may be a lot onerous work that goes on for this group to develop and succeed.
"For it to lastly come to fruition and see it on the sector makes me so proud."
Contents
It is a particular group – Tandy
Lake's sentiments had been echoed by head coach Tandy, who mentioned he felt emotional after the win.
"You could possibly see what it means for the the gamers, nation and supporters," mentioned Tandy.
"It's unbelievable. We've been wanting some positivity and the gamers delivered that.
"The overriding emotion is satisfaction for the taking part in group, the workers and I'm simply glad for everybody who represents Wales.
"You at all times have perception. Historical past tells you one thing completely different however I imagine within the group.
"They’re a particular group of individuals and I can't wait to come back in each Monday to work with them."
- n
- o
- t
Lake's half-time workforce speak galvanises Wales
Wales led 14-0 and 21-7 within the first half earlier than the All Blacks levelled the rating at half-time.
That’s when New Zealand have historically gone away to safe victory, as they did 12 months in the past in a 52-26 success, however there was no repeat this time.
"I did adore it at half-time with the taking part in group, listening to them speak to one another," mentioned Tandy.
"The best way the skipper spoken about round what's coming from the following 40 minutes was excellent."
Lake added: "I gained't inform you precisely what I mentioned as a result of I feel that's a privilege that the group that we're within the room ought to preserve.
"However it was kind of a flashback to 12 months in the past once we had been in an analogous place at half-time.
"We weren’t fairly within the lead or drawing, however there or thereabouts and it was only a reminder of that feeling for us."
Dynamic defence sees Wales residence
Wales responded with two extra tries earlier than New Zealand introduced again the deficit to inside seven factors.
What adopted was a defensive effort hardly ever seen by Wales lately with Gareth Thomas, James Botham, Jac Morgan and Dan Edwards concerned in holding up New Zealand over the house line on three events, whereas there have been additionally two important turnovers from substitute Taine Plumtree.
The house aspect made 346 tackles, with lock Dafydd Jenkins topping the chart with 38 and flankers Morgan and Botham not far behind.
The work of Tandy and defensive teaching duo Peter Murchie and Dan Lydiate was rewarded with coronary heart and ability.
"The gamers had been courageous but additionally phenomenal and confirmed nice physicality," mentioned Tandy.
"New Zealand threw all the pieces at us however the boys acquired what they deserved and in large video games it’s important to cling on."
Ultimate whistle mayhem however consideration turns in direction of Australia
There may need been solely 55,152 within the floor, which was the bottom attendance for a Wales and New Zealand fixture on the Principality Stadium, however they roared the house aspect onto a well-known victory.
Lake summed up the occasions on the last whistle as he was on the sidelines after being changed.
"It was nearly such as you had been blocked out issues, mentioned Lake.
"You heard the noise, however it was like background noise. I feel I ended watching with a minute and 20 seconds left and simply waited for the whistle, which I’ve completed earlier than, however this one was completely different.
"To have fun with the boys that you simply work onerous with on daily basis, and the coaches that are available in and make you higher, is an incredible feeling.
Lock Jenkins said earlier than the sport he was asking for Monday off if Wales beat New Zealand, with Tandy's aspect going through Australia in Cardiff subsequent Saturday.
"We've acquired to savour moments, as a result of historical past tells you this doesn't occur fairly often, and we have to make make sure that we get pleasure from this," mentioned Tandy.
"I'm positive each rugby membership out there’s going to be celebrating tonight however it's ensuring once we are available in, possibly Monday afternoon or Tuesday morning, if Daf will get his means, that we're able to work.
"As a result of Australia can be a distinct take a look at."
That may wait as Wales mirror on halting New Zealand's seven a long time of dominance over them.