Eddie James: Wales' win against New Zealand the stuff of dreams

Centre Eddie James made his Wales debut against South Africa in 2024

Eddie James conducted his post-match media duties at Principality Stadium while clutching a souvenir match ball.

Perhaps the one he dotted down for one of Wales' five tries in the historic 35-28 win against New Zealand, maybe the one he wrapped up with his long right arm in one of many telling defensive moments.

The 24-year-old Scarlets centre has become a firm fixture in Steve Tandy's starting line-up because of his strong running and offloading threat.

He crossed down the left wing early in the second half, yet it is one of his 25 tackles that is one of the moments to watch and rewatch.

At 35-21, a try looked certain when Anton Lienert-Brown burst towards the line but James reached out, stopped the New Zealand centre a metre out and ensured there was no offload.

The All Blacks would go over one more time but it was a moment to encapsulate Wales' defensive desire.

"I honestly can't feel a thing," he said while still in his kit, almost an hour after the final whistle.

"I haven't been able feel my feet for a long time now. It was an amazing performance defensively.

"We're such a small nation and we pride ourselves a lot on our heart."

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Wales ended a 34-game losing streak against New Zealand, but James has a 100% record against the All Blacks.

"I'm so proud, it's easily the best day of my life and something I will remember until the day I die," he said. "It was a dream come true facing the Haka, and I loved it."

Wales were helped by the fervent support of a 55,152 crowd at a Principality Stadium capable of holding 74,000.

Saturday's game against Australia has a challenging late start (20:10 GMT), but James hopes the performance against the All Blacks helps boost the attendance.

"Credit to the fans, they got behind us and were a massive help for us," said James.

"The more fans we have, the louder it is and so hopefully we can bottle this up and get even more for the Australia game.

"The fans help us so much on the pitch - they are massive for us."

Back row Taine Basham scored two tries on his Wales debut against Canada in 2021

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The number eight was drafted in due to Aaron Wainwright's calf injury, winning his first cap since the 2024 Six Nations and a first start in four years.

It was a recall that was down to his strong start to the season with Cardiff.

The former Dragons back-row forward said: "I've moved clubs, worked hard to get myself back into the team and now I've been in a team that beat the All Blacks. What a feeling, what a feeling!"

Basham starred against the All Blacks in 2021 when he proved his ability on the biggest stage despite a 54-16 hammering.

"I always thought there might be an opportunity to make a comeback with Wales. There are always opportunities, whether it's injuries or just through form," said the 27-year-old from Talywain.

"I've just tried to push myself at club level, towards the end of my Dragons career and then at Cardiff, to get into form and then hopefully carry that onto the world stage."

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Basham is hungry for more after waiting so long for his 18th cap, and has a third win against the Wallabies in his sights after being part of successes in 2021 and 2023.

"I'm just in a bit of a dream at the moment, but we've still got two more games to play and we now have to back up this performance," he said.

"Australia are no mugs, so we'll go back to work on Monday and hopefully produce that kind of magic again.

"Last week was very important for us to get a win against Japan, but to get a win today is just huge for us. Now we need to carry on."

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