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Dewi Lake, the captain of Wales’ rugby team, has promised to rekindle the passion for rugby in Wales as they gear up to face New Zealand. This comes as the country rides a wave of sports enthusiasm.
On Tuesday night, Welsh football fans celebrated a significant victory as their national team crushed North Macedonia 7-1, securing a home advantage for their World Cup play-off semi-final. Harry Wilson was the star of the match, delivering an impressive hat-trick.
The football and rugby teams both train at the Vale Resort, fostering a strong sense of camaraderie among the athletes. This shared training ground has sparked a spirit of mutual support and encouragement between the squads.
“We were all gathered around the TV cheering them on,” said Lake, reflecting on the football team’s triumph. Now, he is focused on leading his rugby squad in what promises to be a challenging encounter against the formidable All Blacks this Saturday.
‘We were all down around the TV watching them (Wales football) play last night,’ said rugby captain Lake, who is preparing to lead his team for a daunting All Blacks challenge on Saturday.
‘We bump into each other through the hotel and chat.
‘Massive congratulations to them.
Wales rugby captain Dewi Lake is hoping to take inspiration from his country’s football stars
Wales football manager Craig Bellamy has got a feelgood factor in his team Lake likes a lot
‘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 spoken about as a group.
‘It’s our job to reignite the flame in supporters’ bellies – for them to feel energised when they’re in that stadium or at home watching us.
‘That’s something the football did very well, so it’s on us to repeat that this weekend.’
New Zealand have won their last 33 encounters with Wales and this weekend’s result is expected to be another formality.
Steve Tandy’s side only inched past Japan 24-23 last weekend.
Lake is leading Wales with usual captain Jac Morgan out with a dislocated shoulder suffered in the November opener with Argentina.
The hooker has never faced New Zealand at senior level, but did skipper Wales’ Under-20 side to a victory over the Baby Blacks in 2019.
Wales won 8-7 in a famous success at that year’s Junior World Cup in Argentina.
Wales and Lake (left) take on the might of the All Blacks on Saturday at Principality Stadium
New Zealand are looking to bounce back from a 33-19 defeat by England in Cardiff
Quinn Tupaea, Leicester Fainga’anuku, Fletcher Newell, Simon Parker, Leroy Carter and Billy Proctor are all current All Blacks who were in their country’s junior squad that day.
New Zealand are heavy favourites to bounce back from their 33-19 defeat by England.
Wales are 35/1 outsiders to win this weekend.
‘Facing New Zealand is something you dream about as a kid. We know they’re an excellent team, so we’ll have to be on it from the start,’ Lake said.
‘There’s no point being in the building if we thought we couldn’t win.’
Both Wales and New Zealand will name their teams for Saturday’s game on Thursday morning.
Wales head coach Tandy will be without banned wing Josh Adams after he was sent off against Japan.