Neil Jenkins challenges Wales to make history in New Zealand Test
Saturday 25 June 2016 08:42, UK
Wales must rouse themselves for one final shot at beating New Zealand for the first time in 63 years, according to former world record points scorer Neil Jenkins.
Jenkins, now Wales assistant coach, is urging his charges to lift themselves one last time at the end of a long, hard, season with the knowledge they can still create history by claiming a first victory on New Zealand soil.
Live International Rugby Union
They have already lost the series despite credible performances in defeat against the reigning world champions in Auckland and Wellington, but go into the third Test at Dunedin's Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday.
"It has been a long, hard year for the guys, but they have an important Test match to play in Dunedin and that is all that is in their mind," said Jenkins.
"To beat the best team in the world would be a fantastic achievement.
"When you play the best side in the world on their own patch, and play against them in the way we have done, you can only grow from that experience.
"They will have learned a hell of a lot from this year and they all want to turn up, play well and win - then they can enjoy their holidays after that."
Gatland talked earlier in the week about how the numbers produced by the Welsh team this month have far exceeded what they have achieved against New Zealand in the past.
The three tries and a 14-point losing margin in Wellington last week were their best performances against the All Blacks outside of Wales.
But Wales must now turn numbers into points particularly against a new-look All Blacks squad showing 12 changes from last week as coach Steve Hansen begins the process of blooding new talent into Test rugby.
"New Zealand are missing a bit of experience, especially without Jerome Kaino, but if you play for the All Blacks you have to be pretty good," said Jenkins.
"The guys coming in are very good players and for us, the more we focus on ourselves the better.
"They want to get quicker every game and I have no doubt they will come again on Saturday. We have had a decent week this week and hopefully everyone will be refreshed.
"We have had two tough Test matches which have probably come down to 10 to 15 minutes both times when they have gone away from us.
"It is purely down to the fact they are the world champions, they know how to win and they keep on winning.
"We have yet to play for the full 80 but I have no doubt that if we can do that, we will give ourselves a chance.
"We have wanted to from day one on this tour and the boys have kept growing and developing."
Wales have made two changes to their starting XV from the side that lost 36-22 in Wellington with props Rob Evans and Tomas Francis drafted.
