Friday 10 June 2016 12:12, UK
New Zealand plan to build from a steady position their first Test game since the World Cup final when they face Wales according to captain Kieran Read.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has named a starting side brimming with firepower, with explosive flyers Julian Savea and Waisake Naholo on the wings for the clash on Saturday.
But Read insists the home side will need time to settle and build pressure on Warren Gatland's men at Eden Park.
"That will be key for us, not to try too much early," Read said.
"The nature of a test match is that it will be abrasive and they will bring a lot of line speed and if we try to make things happen then it won't come off."
The All Blacks tend to have rusty starts to their international seasons, but have had two weeks working with Hansen this year.
Read said the players could not wait to get back into action though.
"It has been a long build-up for us," Read said. "The guys are itching to get out there on the field.
"But we do know what is ahead of us. It's going to be won by inches and us doing our jobs."
Although the All Blacks are heavy favourites to win, the new-look team will be under scrutiny after the post-World Cup retirements of six stalwarts, including Richie McCaw and fly-half Dan Carter.
The All Blacks have not lost to Wales since 1953, are unbeaten at Eden Park since 1994 and have not lost in New Zealand since 2009, a streak of 38 matches.
"We have got a few other things to worry about as a group," said Read, dismissing the history.
"This is our first chance of 2016 so that's what we're focusing on."
