Warren Gatland: 'I didn't come here for the scenery boys'If one team are going to beat the All-Blacks and interrupt their quest for world dominance, it would be Wales.
The Six Nations Grand Slammers haven't set the pulses racing so far during autumn's Invesco Perpetual series but if there's one thing we've learned about Warren Gatland's stubborn Dragons, is that they revel in the face of adversity.
Wales must toughen up, especially at the breakdown. South Africa fashioned an unlikely victory in Dunedin by using their terrifying defence as a potent weapon of attack. So, will the real Ryan Jones and Martyn Williams please stand up.
Execution is paramount. Dan Carter doesn't need a second invitation to punish the opposition, especially against the Welsh with his tally of 73 points in four Tests, 32 more than the entire Wales aggregate.
The All-Blacks front-five has been immense. Ali Williams and Brad Thorn tear around the park like back-row forwards with the former blessed with a decent right boot too. Is there a better scrum in the world? Not after resorting to a back to basics approach.
Against the Boks, Wales failed to show up to the ball on time and laboured to victory against Canada. Hardly capturing the imagination of the locals or the fiercest rugby critics, Wales need to prove they can deal with success.
A first win since 1953? Not this time. These almighty All-Blacks have been simmering nicely in preparation for their biggest foes.
Wales: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Andy Powell, 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Ryan Jones (c), 5 Ian Evans, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Richard Hibbard, 17 John Yapp, 18 Luke Charteris, 19 Dafydd Jones, 20 Dwayne Peel, 21 James Hook/Dan Biggar, 22 Andrew Bishop.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Joe Rokocoko, 13 Richard Kahui, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Sitiveni Sivivatu, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 Jimmy Cowan, 8 Rodney So'oialo, 7 Richie McCaw (c), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Ali Williams, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Tony Woodcock, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Neemia Tialata.
Replacements: 16 Hikawera Elliot, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Kieran Read, 20 Piri Weepu, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Isaia Toeava.