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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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."

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.