Gatland - This is massive

Wales coach "relishing" All Blacks Test

Last updated: 18th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Gatland - This is massive

Gatland: Determined

The All Blacks are the team to beat in the world game. They are the yardstick by which every nation measures themselves...

Warren Gatland
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Warren Gatland admits he is "relishing" the opportunity to record a first Wales victory over New Zealand since 1953 on Saturday.

The Wales coach goes into the Millennium Stadium showdown having selected the same starting side who narrowly lost 20-15 to world champions South Africa in the opening autumn international.

Gatland, born in Hamilton, New Zealand, will become the first coach to guide Wales to a victory over the All Blacks in 55 years and 19 Tests should the home side reign in Cardiff.

Speaking ahead of the Millennium Stadium showdown, the Wales boss emphasised the magnitude of the match, and admits Graham Henry's men are the "team to beat" at present.

"The coaches, the fans, the players and everyone involved in rugby in Wales knows exactly how big a game this is for us," he said.

"The All Blacks are the team to beat in the world game. They are the yardstick by which every nation measures themselves - and we are no different - but we are relishing the opportunity presented to us.

"I've often said that it is only by playing the best teams in the world that we can improve ourselves, and we have a chance to show some big improvements on Saturday.

Criticism

"In selection, we have said 'same again' to the side which took on South Africa in our opening match of the autumn series.

"We were critical in-house of aspects of that performance, and that side has a chance to respond to that criticism.

"For the likes of Andy Powell and Leigh Halfpenny, who both had impressive debuts, our message is also the same - both players need to simply enjoy the experience and have nothing to fear.

"For some of the more senior heads in the side, we know we are looking for outstanding performances from each and every one of them if we are to be able to match the opposition."

There are two confirmed changes on the Wales bench - Blues prop John Yapp comes in for the injured Duncan Jones and Newport Gwent Dragons lock Luke Charteris replaces Ian Gough.

Scrum-half Gareth Cooper, meanwhile, has been retained - despite Gloucester selecting him in their match-day 22 for Guinness Premiership duty on Sunday after the International Rugby Board ruled that Wales did not have to release him.

Gatland also confirmed that Ospreys back Dan Biggar may replace James Hook on the bench should he fail to recover from a knee injury.