Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

Summary

History Daily: Rugby Union’s “Match of the Century”

Podcast Information:

• Title: History Daily
• Host/Author: Airship | Noiser | Wondery
• Description: On History Daily, history is explored daily. Every weekday, host Lindsay Graham delves into significant events that occurred “on this day” in history, bringing to life the true stories of the people and moments that shaped our world.

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Introduction

In the episode titled "Rugby Union’s 'Match of the Century'", released on December 16, 2024, History Daily takes listeners back to a pivotal moment in sports history. Hosted by Lindsey Graham and narrated by Tom Williams, the episode meticulously recounts the events leading up to and including the legendary rugby match between Wales and the New Zealand All Blacks on December 16, 1905.

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Setting the Stage: September 1905

The narrative begins on September 16, 1905, at a rugby pitch in Devon, southern England. Devon Rugby Club, renowned as one of England’s premier teams, prepares to face the visiting New Zealand national team, embarking on their first European tour.

[00:15] Tom Williams: "It's September 16, 1905, on a rugby pitch in Devon in southern England... Edwin notices that morale is high among his teammates as they throw the ball around, laughing and joking, as if getting ready for a friendly Sunday game in the park."

Devon’s captain, Edwin Cox, observes the New Zealanders with skepticism. Their physicality and unconventional black uniforms set them apart, leading Edwin to question their suitability for the gentlemanly sport of rugby.

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New Zealand All Blacks: A Formidable Force

As the match commences, the New Zealand team demonstrates their aggressive playing style, performing the haka—a traditional Maori war dance intended to intimidate opponents.

[00:15] Tom Williams: "The New Zealanders start to perform a ceremonial battle dance, slapping their arms and torsos and flickering their tongues from their mouths like wild beasts."

This display unsettles the English players, culminating in Devon’s unexpected and humiliating defeat with a score of 55-4. The match marks the beginning of the All Blacks' dominance, as they proceed to win their next 26 matches, earning the nickname "All Blacks" and instilling fear through their haka.

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The Anticipation Builds: Gloucester vs. All Blacks

Fast forward to October 19, 1905, in Gloucester, English Midlands. The All Blacks prepare to face Gloucester Rugby Club amidst a charged atmosphere. Tom Williams, now an administrator for the Welsh Rugby Union, recognizes the mounting challenge as Wales is set to play the All Blacks in their upcoming tour.

[04:42] Tom Williams: "In Wales, rugby is more a religion than a sport... the Welsh players have been conditioned by years of hard physical labor. And this shows on the rugby field."

The episode highlights the class distinctions in rugby across the UK, noting that while rugby in England, Ireland, and Scotland is often associated with the privileged elite, in Wales, it cuts across social classes, fostering a team of resilient and hardworking players.

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Strategizing for Victory: Developing a New Tactic

As the All Blacks continue their unbeaten run, Wales faces the daunting task of overcoming this invincible team. Tom Williams details the strategic meetings between Welsh leaders, including legendary player Gwyn Nichols, Teddy Morgan, and Dicky Owen.

[04:42] Tom Williams: "Together, Tom, Teddy, and Dickie begin devising a new set of tactics... Over the course of the next few weeks, they work on perfecting this new formation."

The Welsh team adopts an aggressive backline strategy to counter the All Blacks' speed and power, training tirelessly to implement their innovative plan.

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Match Day: December 16, 1905

On the day of the historic match, December 16, 1905, at Cardiff Arms Park, tension and anticipation reach their peak. Both teams take the field under a foggy sky, with over 40,000 spectators in attendance.

[12:09] Tom Williams: "Tom Williams sits on a tram as it rattles through Cardiff, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach... The main source of concern is not the match itself, but the pre-game ceremonial routine that has become a hallmark of the All Blacks performances."

In a groundbreaking move, the Welsh team opts to respond to the haka not with another war dance, but by singing the Welsh national anthem, “Old Land of My Fathers,” led by Teddy Morgan. This unprecedented gesture aims to inspire the Welsh players and unsettle the All Blacks.

[12:09] Tom Williams: "Teddy Morgan glances across at Tom Williams on the sideline, who gives him an encouraging nod. Tom inhales deeply and then begins a rousing rendition of the Welsh national anthem."

The stadium echoes with the powerful voices of the Welsh fans joining in, creating a fervent and patriotic atmosphere that energizes the home team.

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The Climactic Battle: Wales vs. All Blacks

As the game progresses, the Welsh strategy begins to take effect. Early on, Teddy Morgan scores the first try, igniting jubilation among the Welsh supporters.

[12:09] Tom Williams: "Welsh player Dickie Owen collects it and throws a cross-field pass to teammate Cliff Pritchard who offloads the ball to Teddy Morgan... bundling the ball over the line to be the first to score a try in the match."

However, the All Blacks' initial dominance starts to wane as the Welsh maintain their composure and implement their tactics effectively. With just minutes remaining and Wales leading 3-0, the All Blacks make a final push. Winger Bob Deans races toward the try line, a pivotal moment that could have tied the game and allowed New Zealand to seize victory. In a dramatic turn, Reece, a Welsh player, tackles Deans, preventing the decisive try.

[18:25] Tom Williams: "Reece makes a desperate lunge... realizes that it's now or never, Reece makes a desperate lunge... but the referee declares that Bob Deans did not make it to the try line."

With the referee ruling against the All Blacks, Wales secures a narrow 3-0 victory, marking the first and only defeat for New Zealand during their 1905 UK tour. This triumph is celebrated as one of the greatest days in Welsh rugby history.

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Legacy and Conclusion

The episode concludes by reflecting on the lasting impact of the match. Three years later, Bob Deans of the All Blacks would pass away, maintaining his belief that a try should have been awarded. A centennial rematch in 2005 saw Wales face the All Blacks once more, this time triumphing with a decisive 41-3 victory. Nonetheless, the original 1905 match remains a testament to strategic innovation, national pride, and the enduring spirit of Welsh rugby.

[18:25] Tom Williams: "Still, their victory will not diminish the achievement of Tom Williams, Gwyn Nichols, Teddy Morgan, and the rest of the Welsh team when they defeated the dominant All Blacks on December 16, 1905."

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Notable Quotes

• Tom Williams [00:15]:
  "It's September 16, 1905, on a rugby pitch in Devon in southern England... Edwin notices that morale is high among his teammates as they throw the ball around, laughing and joking, as if getting ready for a friendly Sunday game in the park."

• Tom Williams [04:42]:
  "In Wales, rugby is more a religion than a sport... the Welsh players have been conditioned by years of hard physical labor. And this shows on the rugby field."

• Tom Williams [12:09]:
  "Tom Williams sits on a tram as it rattles through Cardiff, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach... The main source of concern is not the match itself, but the pre-game ceremonial routine that has become a hallmark of the All Blacks performances."

• Tom Williams [18:25]:
  "Still, their victory will not diminish the achievement of Tom Williams, Gwyn Nichols, Teddy Morgan, and the rest of the Welsh team when they defeated the dominant All Blacks on December 16, 1905."

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Conclusion

History Daily’s episode on Rugby Union’s "Match of the Century" provides an immersive recount of a defining moment in sports history. Through meticulous storytelling and detailed analysis, listeners gain insight into the strategies, cultural significance, and enduring legacy of the 1905 Wales vs. All Blacks rugby match. This episode serves as a compelling reminder of how sports can transcend mere competition, embodying national pride and the relentless pursuit of excellence.

Transcript

[Lindsey Graham]

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[Tom Williams]

App as a member of Noiser plus.

[Lindsey Graham]

At noiser.com or in Apple Podcasts.

[Tom Williams]

Or you can get all of History.

[Lindsey Graham]

Daily plus other fantastic history podcasts at.

[Tom Williams]

IntoHistory.com It's September 16, 1905, on a rugby pitch in Devon in southern England. Two teams are warming up before a big game. At one end of the field, dressed in green and white striped jerseys, is Devon Rugby Club, one of the best sides in England. At the other end is the national team of New Zealand, who just arrived in the UK for their first ever European tour. Edwin Cox, Devon's captain, leads his teammates in a passing drift. The hundreds of spectators who have come to watch today's clash all expect Devon to win, and the crowd's confidence has rubbed off on the players. Edwin notices that morale is high among his teammates as they throw the ball around, laughing and joking, as if getting ready for a friendly Sunday game in the park. Edwin glances over at the opposing team. He doesn't know what to make of these New Zealanders. Physically, they're an odd looking bunch, burly and scruffy, like a pack of farmhands in England. Rugby is a gentleman's sport, and these hooligans would look more at home in a boxing ring than on a rugby pitch. Even their uniform is strange, entirely black, as if they're on their way to a funeral. Edwin strokes his mustache, his eyebrow arched disapprovingly. The referee calls over to the two captains, it's time to start the game. The English side is awarded kickoff and Edwin and his teammates take formation across the pitch. But rather than prepare to receive the ball, the New Zealanders form a line in the center of the field. They stare down the English players, widening their eyes and baring their teeth. Then, to Edwin's astonishment, the New Zealanders start to perform a ceremonial battle dance, slapping their arms and torsos and flickering their tongues from their mouths like wild beasts. It's a strange and unsettling spectacle. Edwin shakes his head. Rugby is a civilized game for men of proper breeding. But after this performance, Edwin is convinced that these New Zealand players aren't men at all, but actual animals. Still, as the whistle blows for kickoff, for the first time all morning, Edwin feels nervous. Edwin's nerves are well founded. Devin will go on to suffer a humiliating defeat to New Zealand, losing the game 55 points to 4. The defeat will cause a sensation, with newspapers around the country proclaiming it a dark day for English rugby, but Devon will not be the last to fall victim to New Zealand, who will go on to win their next 26 matches. Soon New Zealand's distinctive uniform will earn them a nickname, the All Blacks, and their pre game ceremonial dance, the Haka, will strike fear into the hearts of every opposing team they encounter. But the indomitable All Blacks will soon encounter their biggest challenge to date when they play the UK's smallest nation, Wales, in a hotly anticipated clash that will come to be known as the Match of the century on December 16, 1905.

[Lindsey Graham]

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[Tom Williams]

Up on the latest episodes without the.

[Lindsey Graham]

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[Tom Williams]

From Noiser and Airship. I'm Lindsey Graham and this is History D History is made every day on this podcast. Every day we tell the true stories of the people and events that shaped our world. Today is December 16, 1905, rugby union's Match of the Century. It's October 19, 1905 in Gloucester in the English Midlands, one month after New Zealand's victory in Devon. Spectators crowd the stadium where the local Gloucester Rugby Club is about to take on the visiting New Zealanders. Low lying fog shrouds the pitch as both sets of players assume formation. Gloucester in their traditional red and white stripes, New Zealand in their distinctive black. Children in the crowd stand on tiptoes to catch a Glimpse of the famous visiting team, now commonly known as the All Blacks. Before the game starts, the All Blacks perform their traditional ceremonial routine known as the haka. The captain emits a guttural war cry in the Maori language, the indigenous tongue of New Zealand. The players respond by making a series of rhythmic hand gestures and frightening facial expressions designed to intimidate and unnerve their opponents. The Gloucester players watch in bemused silence, unsure what to make of the strange display. But once the hockey is over, the referee blows his whistle and the game begins. The All Blacks receive the ball first and immediately are on the attack. They ship the ball out wide to their winger, Duncan McGregor, who dashes for the try line and scores with fewer than 10 seconds on the clock. The crowd cheers even the Gloucester fans, who have to applaud such remarkable athletic prowess. Among the impressed onlookers is Tom Williams. Tom used to be a player himself. Now he's an administrator for the Welsh Rugby Union. In two months, Wales are due to play the All Blacks in Cardiff in the final match of the New Zealand team's UK Tour. This will be the All Blacks toughest challenge yet. In Wales, rugby is more a religion than a sport. Though it is the smallest of the four nations that make up the UK Wales has traditionally produced some of the finest rugby players. Still, in spite of their talent, the Welsh players are often discriminated against by the supporters of other British teams. Wales is a country of miners and farmers. In England, Ireland and Scotland, rugby is traditionally reserved for the privileged elites. But in Wales, rugby cuts through the class system. The Welsh players have been conditioned by years of hard physical labor. And this shows on the rugby field. The national team hasn't lost a home game in six years. And in this regard, the Welsh players are kindred spirits to the All Blacks, many of whom also come from poor farming stock or descended from working class migrants from the British Isles. So as Tom watches the All Blacks run riot in Gloucester, he removes a leather notebook from his pocket and jots down a few observations. Tom is here to size up the opposing team and devise a plan that could help Wales win. By the time the game ends, the All Blacks have cruised to a 440 victory. Tom walks back to the train station in a daze. He now fully grasps the scale of the challenge ahead. If Wales are going to beat the All Blacks, they're going to have to be at their very best. A few days later, Tom visits the Welsh team's training facility in Cardiff. Two senior players, Teddy Morgan and Dicky Owen are smoking their pipes on the sideline. Tom shakes the player's hands and then fills them in on his trip to Gloucester. The Welshmen listen closely as Tom describes the speed, power and aggression of the All Blacks. Tom also mentions the unorthodox formation used by the New Zealanders. It's a highly attacking lineup with more speedy backs than slower, heavier built forwards. Dicky Owen, a wiry scrum half with a twinkle in his eye, nods. Then he rubs his hands together and says, well, let's play them at their own game. Together, Tom, Teddy and Dickie begin devising a new set of tactics. Like the All Blacks, they overload their back line, filling the pitch with fast attacking players. Over the course of the next few weeks, they work on perfecting this new formation. They put in grueling hours of training until their limbs ache and their skin and clothes are caked in mud. In the meantime, the All Blacks continue their campaign around the uk, winning every game by increasingly wide margins. So as the game in Cardiff approaches, anticipation will reach a fever pitch by the time match day arrives. The press will already build the clash as the match of the century. Nobody will expect Wales to win, and as Tom Williams makes his way to the game, even he will find himself wondering if their preparations will pay off or if whales will simply become the All Black's latest victim.

[Lindsey Graham]

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[Tom Williams]

It's December 16, 1905, the day Wales plays the All Blacks. Tom Williams sits on a tram as it rattles through Cardiff, trying to calm the butterflies in his stomach. The Welsh rugby administrator has spent the last two months anxiously preparing for this occasion, but now that it's here, Tom is plagued by nerves and self doubt. There are reasons to be optimistic. The Welsh team has developed a new formation that Tom hopes will counterbalance the unorthodox attacking style of the All Blacks. They also received a considerable morale boost when legendary former player Gwyn Nichols came out of retirement last month and agreed to captain the Wales team. Still, Tom cannot allay his fears. The main source of concern is not the match itself, but the pre game ceremonial routine that has become a hallmark of the All Blacks performances. The Haka, as the ritual is known, fires up the New Zealand players and strikes fear into the hearts of the opposing team. Tom suspects that if Whales are going to have a chance of winning today, they will need to find a way to respond to this intimidation. Tom looks out at the foggy streets as the tram trundles through the Cardiff city center. He spots the Welsh flag fluttering above the town hall and the sight of the Welsh dragon makes Tom's spirits soar. Suddenly, an idea dawns on him. Him. The perfect response to the All Blacks huka. When Tom reached Cardiff's Arms park, the stadium where the match is to be played, he heads straight to the Welsh locker room. He bounces into the room and greets the lads with a cheerful wave and then pulls aside Captain Gwyn Nichols. Tom suggests to Gwyn that after the All Blacks perform the haka, they should respond by singing the Welsh national anthem. Gwyn cocks his head to one side. National anthems are sung at official state occasions, not sporting games. But Tom is insistent, telling Gwyn that it would generate the kind of atmosphere needed to beat the All Blacks. Eventually the captain agrees, but tells Tom he's no singer. If anyone should lead the rendition, it's Teddy Morgan, the strongest baritone in the team. Tom smiles and says, okay then, lads. Let's give these boys a proper Welsh Welcome. Just after 2pm the players take to the field. The stadium is packed. More than 40,000 spectators have come to watch this hotly anticipated match. Outside the ground, people climb trees and gate posts to get a glimpse of the action. But despite the impressive turnout, the mood among the Welsh fans is subdued. Like the players, they are full of foreboding, intimidated by the All Blacks peerless record of 26 games unbeaten. Before kickoff, the New Zealanders line up for the haka. The Welsh players and fans fall into respectful silence as the All Blacks perform their now famous pre game ceremony. But once the haka is over, the game does not immediately begin. Instead, the Welsh prepare for a performance of their own. Teddy Morgan glances across at Tom Williams on the sideline, who gives him an encouraging nod. Tom inhales deeply and then begins a rousing rendition of the Welsh national anthem, Old Land of My Fathers. It isn't long before the crowd joins in, filling the stadium with noise. Tom watches the faces of the All Blacks as they stare into this wall of sound and detects a trace of nervousness in the visitor's demeanor, a vulnerable chink in their armor. This is the first time that a national anthem has ever been performed at a sporting occasion, and the effect is palpable. The Welsh players and fans are fired up, patriotic adrenaline flooding through their veins. And when the referee blows his whistle to start the game, the momentum is with Wales from the start. Tom Williams watches from the sidelines, anxiously biting his nails. He notices how poor the All Blacks are playing. But in spite of this, Wales can't seize the advantage. After 20 minutes, the score is still 0 to 0. Suddenly, though, the ball comes loose from the pack. Welsh player Dickie Owen collects it and throws a cross field pass to teammate Cliff Pritchard who offloads the ball to Teddy Morgan. Teddy then shows his speed. He dodges several tackles and sprints the length of the field, bundling the ball over the line to be the first to score a try in the match. The crowd erupts in jubilation, but Tom knows it's too early to celebrate. There is still a long way to go. As the game goes on, the All Blacks will regain their composure and start playing with their usual confidence. Suddenly the Welsh will find themselves on the back foot and with just a few minutes left on the clock, the All Blacks will try to put in a last ditch effort to preserve their unbeaten record and break Welsh hearts. Credit Karma makes building your credit straightforward and stress free with help from our Credit Builder Sign up [e-mail] and start enhancing your financial health. 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[C]

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[Tom Williams]

It's December 16, 1905 at Cardiff Arms Park. The match of the century between Wales and the All Blacks is approaching the full time whistle. Wales are leading the game by three points to nil, but the All Blacks have the ball with winger Bob Deans racing for Wales try line. If he scores, the game will be tied and then the All Blacks will have the opportunity to take a penalty kick to win the match. So as Bob bounds across the turf, the ball clutched under one arm. Behind him, two Welsh players, Teddy Morgan and Rhys Gabe give chase. But they can't catch Bob Deans who is now mere feet from the try line. Realizing that it's now or never, Reece makes a desperate lunge. His flailing arm arms wrap around Dean's knees and drags the New Zealander to the ground. The referee blows his whistle and the crowd cheers. But Bob Deans pops up off the turf and begins a spirited conversation with the referee. Bob insists that the ball went over the line and that a try should be awarded to New Zealand, tying the game. The referee wavers and looks to his peers, but the official monitoring the touchline disagrees, declaring that Bob Deans did not make it to the try line. Wales is awarded a scrummage deep within their own half, but with a chance to run down the clock and a few minutes later, the referee blows the final whistle. Wales has beaten the All Blacks and emerged on top in the match of the century. It is the first and only occasion that New Zealand will be beaten on their UK tour and the game will go down as one of the greatest days in the history of Welsh rugby. Three years later, All Blacks player Bob Deans will die from complications from an appendix operation and he will use his last breath to still insist the referee in Cardiff was mistaken and he should have been awarded the try. In 2005, the centennial of the famous match will be celebrated with another game between Wales and the All Blacks in Cardiff. This time the All Blacks will have their revenge, winning the game by 41 points to three. Still, their victory will not diminish the achievement of Tom Williams, Gwyn Nichols, Teddy Morgan and the rest of the Welsh team when they defeated the dominant all blacks on December 16, 1905. Next on History Daily December 17, 1398. The mighty nomadic warlord Timur captures and sacks the Indian city of Delhi, causing The deaths of 100,000 people from Noiser and Airship. This is History Daily. Hosted, edited and executive produced by me, Lindsey Graham Audio editing by Molly Bach Sound design by Derek Behrens Music by Lindsey Graham this episode is written and researched by Joe Viner. Produced by Alexandra Currie Buckner. Executive producers are Stephen Walters for Airship and Pascal Hughes for Noiser.

[D]

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