Henry hails "complete" Wales

All Blacks boss prepared for tough examination in Cardiff

Last updated: 19th November 2008   Subscribe to RSS Feed

Henry hails

Henry: Wales praise

I am expecting the kitchen sink from Wales. They are a proven side, and we are expecting a tough contest.

Graham Henry
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Graham Henry expects "the kitchen sink" to be thrown at his team on Saturday as Wales attempt to inflict a first victory over New Zealand since 1953.

All Blacks boss Henry has made a solitary change from the team that toppled Ireland 22-3 last weekend, with centre Richard Kahui replacing Conrad Smith (groin).

New Zealand have beaten Wales 19 times in succession, boasting an unbeaten record against them since suffering a 13-8 defeat at Cardiff Arms Park 55 years ago.

The All Blacks average more than 30 points a time during their long undefeated run, yet former Wales supremo Henry is taking nothing for granted this weekend.

He said: "I am expecting the kitchen sink from Wales. They are a proven side, and we are expecting a tough contest.

Complete package

"They are Six Nations champions this year, and that is a fine achievement.

"Wales have got good players across the pitch, that's why they won the Six Nations. They play with a wonderful attitude.

"Their forwards are good ball players, and they also defend well. They are a pretty complete package, really."

New Zealand will go into battle as firm favourites, having seen off Scotland and Ireland during the past 11 days without conceding a try.

It has left Henry's men halfway towards completing a successful grand slam tour, with Wales awaiting them on Saturday, followed by England at Twickenham seven days later.

Bonus

But the All Blacks boss insisted: "I know it's a cliche, but we take it one game at a time.

"We will talk about the grand slam after England, if it's a reality.

"We haven't talked about it. If things happen because we play decent rugby, then that is a bonus.

"It is a long season. We will have played 15 Test matches by the time we've finished, which is the largest number of Test matches an All Blacks side will have played in a year.

"I thought the guys played some good stuff against Ireland. We seemed to push on further."