Wales rugby captain Dewi Lake has promised to “reignite the flame” in the nation’s sporting hearts as the team prepares to face New Zealand this Saturday.
Following a sensational 7-1 victory for the Welsh footballers over North Macedonia, Lake wants the rugby squad to carry that same momentum into the Principality Stadium.
“Massive congratulations to them,” Lake said of the footballers.
“It’s the first time Wales had scored seven goals in a game since 1978.
The way they played excited the nation, and that’s something we’ve talked about as a group.”
Football Inspires Rugby Ambition
The Welsh rugby and football teams share the Vale Resort training base, making it easy for players to catch glimpses of each other’s progress.
“We were all down around the TV watching them play last night,” Lake explained.
“We bump into each other around the hotel and chat.
It’s our job to energize supporters—just like the footballers did—so that everyone feels that spark when they’re in the stadium or watching at home.”
A Tough All Blacks Challenge
Wales faces a daunting task against a New Zealand side that has beaten them in the last 33 encounters.
The All Blacks, still stinging from a 33-19 loss to England last weekend, are heavy favourites for Saturday’s showdown.
Steve Tandy’s Welsh team eked out a narrow 24-23 win over Japan, highlighting the uphill battle they face.
With regular captain Jac Morgan sidelined due to a dislocated shoulder, Dewi Lake steps up to lead the squad.
Lake’s Experience Against New Zealand
Though Lake has never faced New Zealand at the senior level, he captained Wales’ Under-20 team to a memorable 8-7 victory over the Baby Blacks in the 2019 Junior World Cup in Argentina.
Several players from that squad—including Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Fletcher Newell, Simon Parker, Leroy Carter, and Billy Proctor—are now senior All Blacks.
“Facing New Zealand is something you dream about as a kid,” Lake said.
“We know they’re an excellent team, so we’ll have to be on it from the start.
There’s no point being in the building if we thought we couldn’t win.”
Team News and Suspensions
Both Wales and New Zealand will announce their matchday squads on Thursday morning ahead of the big clash.
Head coach Steve Tandy will be without wing Josh Adams, who received a red card against Japan, adding another challenge for the Welsh side.
Underdogs with Heart
Despite being 35/1 outsiders, Wales are determined to make their mark.
Lake’s leadership and determination reflect a team ready to embrace the challenge, hoping to give fans the same thrill that the footballers delivered just days ago.
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