Today marks 25 years since the first Wales international at the Principality, formally Millennium, Stadium.

That day was a game fitting of the historic occasion, as Wales celebrated a first win against South Africa just a year after a 96-13 defeat in Pretoria against the same opposition.

At a half-built Millennium, preparing to play host to the 1999 World Cup, Wales won 29-19 against the Boks with tries from Mark Taylor and Gareth Thomas along with 19 points from the boot of Neil Jenkins.

Since that day, the stadium, it’s (at times) threadbare turf and retractable roof has seen some of the world’s biggest stars.

The 26th of June 1999 was the first of many special days at CF10. On the 25th anniversary of its opening fixture Sportin Wales take a look at some of its most memorable games:

19th March 2005 – Wales 32-20 Ireland

Where else to start? A first Grand Slam since 1978, a feat which looked like it would never come during most of the 1980’s and 90’s but after a home win against England, comfortable wins against Italy and Scotland and a come-from-behind win in France Wales faced Ireland for a first Grand Slam in 27 years.

The party started early with Gethin ‘he’s really quick for a prop’ Jenkins charging down Ronan O’Gara’s kick and scoring before Kevin Morgan “Put the cream on the Grand Slam cake.”

Despite a late Irish fightback, Wales were not to be denied, kick-starting what would be another golden era for Welsh rugby in its new home.

6th October 2007 – New Zealand 18-20 France

The only game on this list not to involve Wales.

The stadium may have played host to the World Cup in 1999 with John Eales lifting the Webb Ellis Cup as Australia became the first two-time rugby world champions, however 2007 saw the Millennium’s most famous day to date at a World Cup.

The All Blacks were in town, always a huge day in Welsh rugby and after Wales’ defeat to Fiji, the neutrals at the stadium were expecting a ruthless display of New Zealand brilliance, led by their controller-in-chief Dan Carter who had dismissed the Lions two years previously.

However, they would leave with faces greyer than their jerseys as a much-disputed Damien Traille forward pass drifted into the hands of Frédéric Michalak who put Yannick Jauzion over for the crucial winning score in one of the World Cup’s biggest upsets.

21st March 2009 – Wales 15-17 Ireland

Another Wales v Ireland match, one of four on this list.

However, this would be one where Wales ended up on the losing side.

Ireland went into the game with dreams of only their second ever Grand Slam, 61 years after their first, whilst Wales had slim ambitions of a title and a triple crown.

Two quick-fire tries from Ireland at the start of the second half had given Ireland the lead only to face four Stephen Jones penalties and then a drop-goal, minutes from time.

Two minutes later and Ronan O’Gara slotted a drop-goal of his own, meaning the Irish led by two points with seconds remaining.

Then, Wales won a penalty, barely two feet inside the Irish half and Jones lined up his kick to break Irish hearts, only to see it drop agonisingly below the bar.

Since then, Ireland have won five further titles, including two Grand Slams.

13th February 2010 – Wales 31-24 Scotland

The 2010 Six Nations was not a particularly memorable one for Wales fans. After a fourth place finished, with three defeats against England, Ireland, and eventual Grand Slam champions France, some of you may be wondering why this game is on the list.

Well, take a look at the photo header of this article for a clue.

The image of Shane Williams, arm aloft, having dived over for the winning try is an iconic one of modern Welsh rugby and was the cherry on the sweetest of comeback cakes.

Having lost at Twickenham a week before in the opening round, Warren Gatland’s men found themselves 14-24 down with less than five minutes to go.

A 21-year-old Leigh Halfpenny scored in the 77th minute to give Wales a chance, before Stephen Jones’ penalty with 14 seconds left looked to have snatched a draw.

With the penalty converted before the 80-minute mark, Scotland kicked off once again. With Wales on the attack, Jones’ crosskick took a fortuitous bounce landed in the hands of Shane Williams. A few phases later and, with the Scotland defence at sixes and sevens, Williams collected a Richie Rees pass and burst under the posts to secure the greatest comeback win the Millennium Stadium has seen.

Andrew Cotter put it best on commentary: “…and Shane Williams has won the most dramatic game in this Six Nations, perhaps of any, Six Nations!”

16th March 2013 – Wales 30-3 England

When one of your co-founders is Alex Cuthbert you can hardly leave this one out can you?

After the semi-final loss in the 2011 World Cup and 2012 Grand Slam, Wales were enjoying a period of mini dominance in Northern Hemisphere rugby.

However, that was all derailed with Simon Zebo’s flick and Cian Healy’s try put Ireland 30 points to nil up just after half time of the opening game of the Six Nations.

From then on, Wales were faultless. Fighting back to a respectable 22-30 loss, they then went on to beat France, Italy and Scotland on the road before welcoming Grand Slam chasing England to the Principality.

England hadn’t won a Grand Slam since 2003, having missed out on the final day numerous times in the past including in 1999 at Wembley, however Wales new they needed to win by just eight points to clinch the title.

The tone was set by the cacophony of the anthem, followed by a dominant first half display from Wales who were barely contained by their opponents.

In the second half the shackles well and truly came off as Cuthbert scored a brace, created by some Justin Tipuric brilliance and Wales “stormed” to the title with a record victory against the red rose.

16th March 2019 – Wales 25-7 Ireland

If you praise one co-founder you have to praise the other right?

Wales came into the game searching for their fourth Grand Slam of the Six Nations era and third of the Warren Gatland reign and again welcomed Ireland to the now Principality Stadium.

Following roof-gate, with the Irish asking for the once fallible stadium turf to be open to the elements, Wales began with a blistering start as Sportin Wales co-founder Gareth Anscombe chipped over the Irish defence for Hadleigh Parkes to dive over.

Having shown his dextrous kicking from hand, Anscombe followed from the tee, with seven out seven successful kicks for a 20-point haul in a near perfect performance from Wales as they thoroughly outplayed the reigning Six Nations champions.

Cue George North and Alun Wyn Jones kisses amid a soppy and soggy Principality Stadium.

Here’s hoping for a return to those days sooner rather than later.