Wales ending 73 years of hurt against New Zealand in Cardiff was the biggest shock I’ve seen in international rugby since Japan beat South Africa at the 2015 World Cup.

No-one gave the Brave Blossoms a cat in hell’s chance 11 years ago in Brighton. And as passionate a Welshman as I am, the same was true for Wales’ latest All Blacks clash.

Anyone who tells you that they knew Steve Tandy’s side was going to win is a liar! It’s been such a tough three years for Welsh rugby, both on and off the field.

To be at Principality Stadium was to see the joy return to our national sport in front of your eyes. It was incredible. So, so emotional. It was a day I’ll never, ever forget.

Wales’ rearguard was absolutely exceptional. They’ve had to take criticism for being a poor team and at times, that has been fair. During that period, the players have been told they’ve been too soft. It's been too easy to score against Wales. 

But the way they defended, albeit against a much-changed New Zealand team, showed real international class. James Botham epitomised that with a mammoth tackling and player-of-the-match display. To see Botham in tears at the final whistle summed up the mood of Wales as a nation. For most of us, including former players like me who played against New Zealand many times, it was a first.

The All Blacks pounded away at Wales time and again in the second half. But Tandy’s men held firm, Botham leading the way. Replacements Gareth Thomas, Dan Edwards and Taine Plumtree all produced big goal-line defensive moments when it mattered most.

The more those big moments went Wales’ way, the more you started to believe. But I didn’t fully believe the job was done until Reuben Morgan-Williams kicked the ball dead to end the game. These players have now sealed their place in Welsh rugby history and they deserve all the credit they’re going to get. I’m sure there’ll be a few well-deserved beers floating about!

As I left the stadium, my overriding feeling was one of happiness. This result put the pride back into Welsh rugby and that has been badly needed. Well done, lads.

And I can say I was there!