Louisa Wall: For Wales, it was just step too far

Aussie Scott Johnson, the assistant rugby coach of Wales, called us a poxy little island in the Pacific Ocean and then corrected himself and acknowledged that we have two islands, magnificently named North and South - and doesn't he just know it.

The Welsh used all the tricks they could to try to register their first win over the All Blacks in 51 years. They even denied the All Black history in the game by referring to us as New Zealand, and used inspirational quotes from great Welsh figures to enthuse their players.

One, from former Prime Minister David Lloyd George, was incredibly relevant: "Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps."

But they seemed not to heed the message in the dying minutes of the game and as a consequence they fell into the chasm of disappointment.

Welsh captain Gareth Thomas failed to take that big step and opted for a shot at goal when Wales were four points in the red, and hoped for another chance at a dropped goal or penalty with little time remaining.

And we were extremely thankful when the final whistle was blown.

Wales had a chance to punish their old coaches, Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, but the Baby Blacks came through.

It was only by a point, but who cares! We won and so the All Blacks reign of victories against the Welsh continues.

Long may this All Blacks legacy continue, in spite of this feeble attempt to nullify the brand and history that is the All Blacks.

Next year signifies the celebration of 100 years of matches between these famous sides, but there is no guarantee it will be recognised with a match.

Welsh chief executive David Moffett said there was a less than 10 per cent chance that this would happen because of the congested season and because the clubs wouldn't release their players.

The Welsh are scheduled to play South Africa and Australia next year, and until they resolve the Northern Hemisphere season he thinks it unlikely that Wales will play the All Blacks.

How sad considering the support from the Welsh public for contests between the two countries.

Stand-in captain Richie McCaw had an outstanding game and led the new-look team from the front at a soldout Millennium Stadium against a very experienced Welsh team.

The atmosphere was fizzing as the boys performed their haka. Unusually, there was not the respectful silence of appreciation; rather thousands of patriotic voices cheering on Wales with hundreds of flying red dragons waving.

Then the principal tenor with the Wales National Opera, Wynne Evans, sang Bread of Heaven with 74,000 fans.

Johnson got just what he wanted.

It is hoped this outpouring of Welsh pride will continue for many games to come.

Our boys upheld the values of the All Blacks jersey and played to our expectations in victory.

With all the rumblings about the need for the Government to provide tax breaks to the elite players to ensure our pool of talent remains in New Zealand, it was evident that another way to do so is to ensure the passion and pride that is the All Blacks continues.

The best way to do this is on the field and hopefully this will continue tomorrow against the French.

You cannot pay for the jersey. It must be earned.

I may be old fashioned, but the allure of the jersey and All Black status remain enough of an incentive for me.

Louisa Wall is a former New Zealand netball and rugby representative