Wales are confident they have the right combinations for success as they take on a New Zealand side in Cardiff this weekend that has lost its veneer of invincibly this year but is hoping to rediscover it in the autumn international series.
Wales coach Wayne Pivac and player Gareth Anscombe Photo: PHOTOSPORT
New Zealand lost a home test series to Ireland for the first time in July and were also beaten on their own patch by Argentina in another historic defeat that put huge pressure on head coach Ian Foster.
He survived and they bounced back to narrowly win the Rugby Championship but were given another almighty scare by Japan last weekend and there is real hope in Wales the home side can claim a first victory against the All Blacks in almost 70 years, having beaten South Africa away for the first time ever in July.
"We want to win every game. We need to keep building on what we did in South Africa. What better test than against New Zealand. We're here to win it," New Zealand-born Wales coach Wayne Pivac said.
"(The All Blacks team is) very strong. We've got to be able to match that speed and slow the ball down at the breakdown. The roof is closed and we're expecting a quick game."
Pivac has handed a debut to wing Rio Dyer in the place of injured Josh Adams and also recalled the experienced, fit-again trio of fullback Leigh Halfpenny, hooker by Ken Owens and flanker Justin Tipuric.
"He's (Dyer) really excited. He's a young man with some form. He's been training well so we think it's a great opportunity for him. He'll learn a lot," Pivac said.
New Zealand have brought back their big guns following the unconvincing 38-31 victory over Japan in Tokyo last weekend, making 11 changes to their starting line-up.
"There is nothing better for our mindset than to go out there against a very passionate team and play well," Foster said.
"This is our second full week together and we are introducing some guys who did not play last week back into the group. The challenge for us is to get our combination work strong very quickly.
"The Welsh play effective, high-tempo rugby and if we are not on our game then we end up chasing them. It's going to be a very physical encounter." (Reporting by Nick Said Editing by Toby Davis)
Wales Team to play All Blacks:
15. Leigh Halfpenny (Scarlets - 96 caps)
14. Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby - 19 caps)
13. George North (Ospreys - 105 caps)
12. Nick Tompkins (Saracens - 23 caps)
11. Rio Dyer (Dragons - uncapped)
10. Gareth Anscombe (Ospreys - 32 caps)
9. Tomos Williams (Cardiff Rugby - 36 caps)
1. Gareth Thomas (Ospreys - 13 caps)
2. Ken Owens (Scarlets - 82 caps)
3. Tomas Francis (Ospreys - 65 caps)
4. Will Rowlands (Dragons - 21 caps)
5. Adam Beard (Ospreys - 37 caps)
6. Justin Tipuric (Ospreys - 85 caps) captain
7. Tommy Reffell (Leicester Tigers - 3 caps)
8. Taulupe Faletau (Cardiff Rugby - 91 caps)
Replacements
16. Ryan Elias (Scarlets - 30 caps)
17. Nicky Smith (Ospreys - 41 caps)
18. Dillon Lews (Cardiff Rugby- 41 caps)
19. Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys - 153 caps)
20. Christ Tshiunza (Exeter Chiefs - 2 caps)
21. Kieran Hardy (Scarlets - 14 caps)
22. Rhys Priestland (Cardiff Rugby - 52 caps)
23. Owen Watkin (Ospreys - 33 caps)
-Reuters
