All Blacks vs Wales
The 1905 Originals: the team that lost only to Wales.
The Original All Blacks (also known simply as 'The Originals') were the first New Zealand national rugby union team to tour outside Australasia. They toured the British Isles, France and the United States of America during 1905–1906. Their only loss of the tour was a 3–0 defeat by Wales at Cardiff Arms Park.
Quick Facts
- First meeting
- 1905
- Total matches played
- Over 60
- All blacks wins
- Majority of encounters
- Famous upset year
- 2011
- Key venue
- Millennium Stadium; Cardiff Arms Park
- Rivalry status
- Active and Historic
Lore & Background
The team's only loss of the tour was a 3–0 defeat by Wales at Cardiff Arms Park. A try claimed by winger Bob Deans was not awarded by the referee and later became a subject of controversy. However, Wales were generally considered the better team with the All Blacks playing particularly poorly in the first half of the game.
Reader's Guide
The 1905 All Blacks tour of Britain went on to achieve legendary status within the rugby world and New Zealand in particular. They scored 976 points and conceded only 59, and thus set the standard for future All Blacks sides. The tour also saw the first use of the All Blacks name and established New Zealand's reputation as a world-class rugby nation.
More in Great Rivalries
Elsewhere in New Zealand All Blacks
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