MORE than half a century ago, Wales rugby fans watched with pride as we beat the All Blacks. But it's been a long, painful wait since then for a chance as good this year's autumn internationals to claw back some Welsh pride. HANA CALLARD reports.

WHEN Wales last beat New Zealand at rugby, Gwent man Malcolm Higgs was just nine-years-old.

But despite 56-years of disappointment since then, Mr Higgs believes Wales now have the strength to finally hit back.

On December 19, 1953, Mr Higgs crammed into his grandmother’s parlour in Richmond Terrace, Tredegar along with family members and friends to watch the historical match on one of the few TVs in the street.

He said: "The place was packed. We watched it on her 12-inch set in her parlour with a grainy picture, but with all the excitement of being at the Arms Park."

The 65-year-old who now lives on Rawlinson Terrace in the town added: "I remember the atmosphere and watching Ken Jones (born in Blaenavon) score the winning try."

Mr Higgs is now the treasurer of Tredegar Rugby Club’s supporters club and he isn’t alone in believing Wales can claim victory today.

Aimee Bowditch, 20, from Caerleon firmly believes Wales have what it takes to win. But she’s had a hard time trying to convince her boyfriend, Tim Hamilton – he’s from Wellington, New Zealand and thinks Wales will be a "push-over".

He said: "The All Blacks are going to win. The last time Wales won was 56-years-ago. It’s going to be a push-over."

But Tim, 25, plays for Caerleon Rugby Club and admits that if Wales do win, he’s going to get a lot of grief from his teammates, as well as his girlfriend.

And it’s not just his pride that will be dented. The couple have a £20 bet on in favour of their teams. Aimee said: "I’ve put a bet on that Wales will win and they will. I think it’s going to be close but I still think we’re going to win."

Welsh Secretary Peter Hain also believes Wales have what it takes. "Wales has a wealth of talented players capable of beating the best in the world, so lets go one step further this weekend and overturn 56-years of hurt against the All Blacks," he said.

Coverage starts on BBC Two at 5pm today. Kick off is at 5.15pm.

Pubs, clubs and hotels across Gwent have stocked up on supplies this weekend in preparation for the match, which could see an end to All Black domination in Wales.

And the big screens are up, making sure eager Welsh fans can experience the electric atmosphere even without a ticket for the Millennium Stadium.

Rodney Hall at Rodney Parade will be open from 11am with a big screen and refreshments, while other rugby clubs in the region will follow their lead with Risca, Blackwood, Beaufort, Llanhilleth, Tredegar and Caerleon all showing the game.

The Scrum Half, Commercial Inn in Pontymister, The Dodger, Goldcroft Inn and the Hanbury Arms are just some of the pubs that have had to order in extra beer and lager for the game, with most pubs in Gwent showing the match.