Well over a century ago one crowd took matters into their own hands, singing the first anthem at a Welsh rugby international and history was not only made on the day, but a dearly held tradition was born.
So, if you want to help Wayne Pivac’s team beat New Zealand, South Africa, Georgia and Australia this autumn then why not invoke the spirit of 1905 when it was first shown the world-renowned singing at the former Cardiff Arms Park most definitely DOES have an effect on the opposition?
You only have to dig a little through the archives to find an open admission of the powerful effect of an aural assault from Welsh voices.
This is how New Zealand’s Star newspaper, from Christchurch, described a 1924 match between Wales and the All Blacks:
“Memorable scenes witnessed in the historic encounter at Cardiff in 1905 were re-enacted at Swansea today. The greatest crowd that ever packed the St Helen’s ground sang, with intensely patriotic fervour, ‘Land of Our Fathers’ and the ‘March of the Men of Harlech’… No visiting team could remain altogether insensitive to the influence of the peculiar atmosphere… (New Zealand in 1905) experienced the full share of this intense Celtic emotionalism, and it is generally recognised that it affected, in some measure, their play that day.”
So, there you have it, written evidence that one of the greatest days in Welsh sporting history, the 3-0 win over captain Dave Gallaher’s inaugural All Blacks side in 1905, wasn’t just due to THAT try by Teddy Morgan, but also to the vocal support of a fervent Welsh crowd.
The All Blacks mesmerised their opponents that day with the performance of their pre-match Haka. Their ritual has gone on to become one of the greatest showpieces in sport and has become a fans’ favourite, but when Wales became the only side to beat Gallaher’s ‘Originals’, and thus become the first international team to beat New Zealand, their response to the Haka had been to sing the Welsh national anthem.
With a crowd of more than 40,000 joining the team in the first rendition of ‘Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau’ at a Welsh international it made the tourists aware of what they were up against – a whole nation, not merely the pride of Welsh players and the win was secured!
The Autumn Nations Series 2022 sees Wales welcome three southern hemisphere sides and 2023 Rugby World Cup opponents Georgia to Principality Stadium. Tickets are available via wru.wales.
05 November Wales v New Zealand KO:15:15
12 November Wales v Argentina KO: 17:30
19 November Wales v Georgia KO: 13:00
26 November Wales v Australia KO: 15:15
Bring your voice! This Autumn it’s the HAKA v HWYL.
