"Wales can beat the All Blacks"

The man who last led Wales to victory over the All Blacks believes Warren Gatland and his Grand-Slam-winning Welsh side can end a 55-year losing streak against them this Autumn.

Bleddyn Williams, MBE, who captained Wales to a 13-8 win over the All Blacks at Cardiff Arms Park in 1953, was filled with pride when tries by his namesakes, Shane and Martyn, sealed the 2008 Grand Slam for Wales. And he is confident this Welsh team can go on to greater things.

“They were simply brilliant today,” said the 85-year-old after the game. “Their defence was immense. They tackled magnificently and deserved everything. The number of tackles they put in was just great. They didn’t give the French a chance.

“Warren Gatland and that rugby-league boy, Shaun Edwards, have done an excellent job. I am very proud of them.

“The exciting thing is it is such a young team. They can definitely challenge this summer and compete with the best. And yes, in November, when New Zealand come to play in front of this crowd, I think we can beat them.”

Williams did the double over the All Blacks in their 1953 tour of Wales, captaining both Cardiff then the national side to victory. But he was quick to point out this result belonged to another era.

“You can’t compare the side I played in with the one now. There have been so many rule changes. These rolling mauls are so boring, I don’t understand it. And we didn’t have any coaches back then, we coached ourselves.”

The former centre won 22 caps for Wales and five test caps for the Lions on a tour of Australia and New Zealand. He said: “I wish I could have been out there today. It is a special day for Welsh rugby. These boys are good, very good indeed and I am very pleased for them.”

Wales have not beaten the All Blacks in 19 encounters since Williams’ win in 1953. They lost their last match against them 45-10 in November 2006 at the Millennium Stadium.