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When Wales lock Dafydd Jenkins was nearing his 13th birthday, he watched in awe as the New Zealand team he idolized successfully defended their World Cup title in 2015. Fast forward to today, and the 22-year-old is gearing up to challenge the formidable All Blacks in Cardiff this Saturday, aiming for what would be a significant upset.
Scott Robertson’s squad comes to the Welsh capital following a humbling 33-19 loss to a dominant England side. Meanwhile, Wales narrowly triumphed over Eddie Jones’ Japan, clinching victory by a mere point due to a crucial last-minute penalty from Jarrod Evans. Despite their recent win, Wales enters the upcoming match as 35/1 underdogs against New Zealand.
Now the 22-year-old has set his sights on causing a ‘real upset’ against the All Blacks in Cardiff on Saturday.
Scott Robertson’s side arrive in the Welsh capital on the back being outplayed in a 33-19 defeat by an outstanding England.
Wales, who only edged past Eddie Jones’ Japan by a single point last weekend thanks to a last-gasp Jarrod Evans penalty, are 35/1 outsiders to beat New Zealand.
‘I grew up watching the 2011 to 2015 (New Zealand) team, who were the best in the world and you put them on a pedestal,’ said Exeter’s Jenkins.
‘You definitely have that respect for them but we are looking forward to giving it a crack.’
Wales and lock Dafydd Jenkins (centre left) have ‘nothing to lose’ against New Zealand
The All Blacks are Wales’ next challenge. Scott Robertson’s side were well beaten by England
Jenkins continued: ‘It’s a huge opportunity to cause a real upset. You wouldn’t be a professional athlete if you didn’t think you are going to win games.
‘I was trying to explain that to some mates and they couldn’t get their heads around that.
‘The closer to the game you get, the more confident you get. It’s a weird feeling.
‘Then you run out at Principality Stadium and feel you are invincible.
‘It’s a game of rugby and anything can happen. But New Zealand are a quality team and you are not going to beat them unless you are 100 per cent on your game.
‘We are really looking forward to the challenge as a young team.
‘There’s obviously pressure every time you put on the Welsh jersey, but in terms of the result I don’t think anyone is giving us a chance. We have got nothing to lose.’
The 24-23 victory over Japan was crucial for Wales with the draw for the 2027 World Cup in mind. It was also a first success for new head coach Steve Tandy.
But the chances of Tandy’s men beating the All Blacks and back-to-back world champions South Africa in the next fortnight are miniscule.
Exeter lock Jenkins (right) in action in Wales’ narrow win over a Japan at Principality Stadium
That’s especially the case for the Springbok game which takes place outside World Rugby’s designated autumn Test window.
It means that Wales’ English and French-based players – which include first-choice starters Louis Rees-Zammit, Tomos Williams, Jenkins and Adam Beard – will be unavailable.
Wales will also be without experienced wing Josh Adams for New Zealand and South Africa. Adams has been given a three-match ban after a disciplinary panel found he was guilty of foul play after his sending off against Japan.
‘It wasn’t the performance we wanted against Japan and it was a bit cagey but the result was amazing to get the monkey off our back,’ Jenkins said.
Wales’ Japan success was their first in Cardiff since August 2023.
‘Now we can just rip into the future. The winning feeling is something special and you want to keep tasting that,’ Jenkins said.