Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards believes the intimate knowledge New Zealand coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen have of Welsh rugby is what has lead them to avoid any thoughts of squad rotation when the two sides meet in Dunedin on Saturday.
In the first game of the two-Test summer tour, the All Blacks have made just one change to their starting XV since dispatching of Ireland last weekend with Henry and Hansen – who have both previously coached the Welsh national side – also picking three new faces, including 61-cap veteran Tony Woodcock, on the bench.
Flanker Victor Vito, who made his debut as a replacement against the Irish, comes into the back row with Adam Thomson and Richard Kahui joining Woodcock in supporting roles, but elsewhere the All Blacks remain unchanged.
“Obviously the New Zealand coaches know all about Wales and they know most of our players really well,” said Edwards.
“They won’t be taking us lightly and their selection shows that, it’s a mark of respect, but whatever side they put on the pitch was going to be more than worthy of that All Blacks shirt.
“We have been going well in training and will name our side in Dunedin on Thursday we are now looking forward to getting there and challenging ourselves against one of the best teams in the world.
“We want them to know they’ve been in a game at the final whistle and if we can do that, to the best of our ability, hopefully the scoreboard will look after itself and who knows what can happen over the course of both matches.“
Wales take on the All Blacks in what will be the last ever Test at Carisbrook, before travelling to Waikato a week later in back to back fixtures on the tour.
“We were happy with the win over Ireland but also know that there are areas of our game we need to work on ahead of the Welsh Test and that is our focus this week. We are expecting real intensity and physicality this weekend, which has been the hallmark of All Blacks–Wales matches in recent years,” added All Blacks Coach Henry.
“Carisbrook is an iconic ground that has hosted some marvellous rugby games over the years. It will be a special occasion and the All Blacks are delighted to be part of the celebrations to mark the final Test at the Brook.”
New Zealand: Israel Dagg, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith, Benson Stanley, Joe Rokocoko, Dan Carter, Jimmy Cowan, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (captain), Victor Vito, Anthony Boric, Brad Thorn, Owen Franks, Keven Mealamu, Ben Franks.
Reserves: Aled de Malmanche, Tony Woodcock, Sam Whitelock, Adam Thomson, Piri Weepu, Aaron Cruden, Richard Kahui
