Wales v New Zealand: Teams
Alun-Wyn Jones insists Wales have a big opportunity to end more than half-a-century of hurt against New Zealand on Saturday.
Last Updated: 06/11/09 8:38am
Wales lock Alun-Wyn Jones insists his team-mates have a big opportunity to end more than half-a-century of hurt against New Zealand on Saturday.
Wales have not toppled the All Blacks since their 13-8 victory at Cardiff Arms Park in 1953.
And after a run of 20 defeats against the tourists, Jones believes the tide is finally turning - particularly after they pushed New Zealand all the way last season.
"Sometimes as a nation, or a group of players, we can fear being in front or being so close in games," he said. "It's a fear of winning.
"Last year against New Zealand, it was 9-9 after 45 minutes, and they then scored scored a try when we had two players down injured.
"I think we have more of a positive edge about us now, and less of a nervous one.
"We've been there before against them. We know we can do it for 40 or 45 minutes - it's about doing it now for 80 minutes.
"It's a difficult 'ask', but it is also a big opportunity."
The Welsh will be without British and Irish Lions trio Mike Phillips, Lee Byrne and Adam Jones - however 10 other members of the squad that went down 2-1 to South Africa are included.
Confident
Ospreys tighthead Paul James comes in for only his second cap, while Luke Charteris will partner Jones in the second row.
New Zealand fly-half Dan Carter looks set to line-up against Wales, with the 27-year-old winning his fitness battle.
Carter has been limited to light training after injuring his calf against Australia, however the Crusaders ace is expecting to be fit.
"I am feeling confident," said Carter, who has scored 92 points in five internationals against Wales. "I have been managing it all week and only done light training.
"I have been keeping the weight off it. I had a run with the team (on Thursday), and I will see how I am on Friday."
Zac Guildford will make his Test debut on the wing, while Brendan Leonard gets the nod ahead of Jimmy Cowan at scrum-half.
In the pack, Wyatt Crockett comes in for the suspended Tony Woodcock, while Jason Eaton, Jerome Kaino and Kieran Read all start.
Wales: 15 James Hook, 14 Leigh Halfpenny, 13 Tom Shanklin, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Shane Williams, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Gareth Cooper, 8 Ryan Jones (capt), 7 Martyn Williams, 6 Andy Powell, 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Paul James, 2 Matthew Rees, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Huw Bennett, 17 Duncan Jones, 18 Bradley Davies, 19 Dafydd Jones, 20 Martin Roberts, 21 Jonathan Davies, 22 Tom James.
New Zealand: 15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Cory Jane, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Ma'a Nonu, 11 Zac Guildford, 10 Dan Carter, 9 Brendan Leonard, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw (capt), 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Jason Eaton, 4 Brad Thorn, 3 Neemia Tialata, 2 Andrew Hore, 1 Wyatt Crockett.
Replacements: 16 Corey Flynn, 17 Owen Franks, 18 Tom Donnelly, 19 Adam Thomson, 20 Jimmy Cowan, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Ben Smith.