Hansen: Wales will be tough

Hansen: former Wales coach

They chucked everything at us last year - it was a tough game of footie

Steve Hansen
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Steven Hansen believes New Zealand will face tough competition from Wales in the upcoming Millennium Stadium showdown.

Hansen was head coach of the Wales team for 29 Tests between 2002 and 2004 and is now part of the All Blacks coaching staff alongside fellow former Wales coach Graham Henry.

Hansen believes Wales are capable of emulating the same standard they displayed in last year's fixture between the countries in Cardiff, when they led 9-6 at half-time before they were ultimately overcome, as New Zealand fought back to win by 20 points.

"I am sure the (Wales) players are excited about playing against the All Blacks," said Hansen. "They chucked everything at us last year - it was a tough game of footie.

"They've got a belief among themselves. They've won two Grand Slams recently and there is a lot of experience."

New Zealand will be protecting a 56-year unbeaten stretch against Wales, and Hansen and company are waiting nervously on the fitness of fly-half superstar Dan Carter.

Carter, who has scooped 92 points in just five Tests at the expense of Wales, has been named to start but it is unsure whether he will recover from a calf muscle haematoma in time for the clash.

The fly-half, who has not trained fully this week, sustained the injury during the All Blacks victory over Australia in Tokyo, with Stephen Donald expected to step in if Carter is ruled-out.

Hopeful

"We are managing him through the week and we are hopeful he will be right for Saturday," said Henry, who has made six changes to the side that defeated Australia 32-19.

"We will just keep on communicating and see how he is. If he is not right, Stephen Donald will play."

Two of the alterations to the team are due to suspensions, with 20-year-old debutant wing Zac Guildford stepping in for Sitiveni Sivivatu and Wyatt Crockett replacing prop Tony Woodcock.

Meanwhile, scrum-half Brendon Leonard takes over from Jimmy Cowan, lock Jason Eaton replaces Tom Donnelly, flanker Jerome Kaino is in for Adam Thomson and Kieran Read starts at number eight.

Henry revealed that the match will be an opportunity to make sure his entire squad can meet the challenge of playing at international level.

"It is good to be back here again," added Henry. "We've selected a strong side and we are looking forward to the fixture.

"We need to know if all these players are up to international standard.

"We've got a policy for the tour. To enjoy the game and play well is one, and also to make sure 33 players on this tour get an opportunity to play.

"We picked a side to play against Australia, and we've picked a side to play against Wales.

"We are expecting another major challenge against the Welsh. They are a very strong side - we will have to be at the top of our game."