Read: Not taking Wales lightly
All Blacks number eight Kieran Read is adamant his team will be subjected to a "bloody tough Test match" when they face Wales at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday.
New Zealand have arrived in Cardiff on a run of 19 unbeaten matches over the last 15 months while Wales have lost five matches in a row, including morale-sapping defeats this month by Argentina and Samoa.
Wales haven't beaten New Zealand since 1953 and what had been billed as an exciting clash between the Six Nations Grand Slam champions and the world champions is now being forecast to end in a thumping All Blacks victory.
But Read, who captained New Zealand for the first time in their 42-10 victory over Italy in Rome last weekend, said previous experience had made him wary of Wales.
"Over here it has generally taken us a full 80 minutes to wear them down," he said.
"I don't think we have ever had an easy game against Wales since I have been involved.
"They are a bloody tough side and really come at us physically, so it is always a really tough game against them.
"You look at a team like Wales and not too long ago they were dominating European rugby and no team goes backwards that quickly.
"They are still a quality side and we respect them for that, and any team with their backs against the wall will come out fighting, so we expect that on Saturday night.
"They will raise their game, they will be a lot better across the board. They won't be happy with where they are at and in that position you really dig your heels in and look to come out strong."
And Read is expecting a particularly tough contest at the ruck, where the contest between opensides and captains Richie McCaw and Sam Warburton has long been anticipated even if the latter has been off his game this season.
"The loose forwards, particularly Sam, are pretty key players across the board for them and we cannot take them lightly."
The 27-year-old Read, tipped as a permanent successor to McCaw when the World Cup-winning skipper finally stands down from the captaincy, was still basking in his Italy experience.
"It was great. I really enjoyed it, it was an awesome experience," he said.
"It is something that will be with me the rest of my life, the way the boys played was awesome."
Comments
KiwiJoe says...
I reckon the Welsh will step it up for this one, hopefully not as one sided as it seems, but hard not to see an All Black win.
Biggest Welsh problem is that someone has stifled their considerable natural ability, either through ignorance or overcoaching.
Forget all this Wales, if you see a chance, just go for it and play that great rugby we used to see and love..
Posted 21:55 21st November 2012
SBWAllBlack says...
This is exactly the type of game that Wales will turn up for, or at least I hope so. Playing the ABs definitely brings out the best in teams, prime example is France.... lost to Tonga, then played like men possessed in the RWC Final. I am definitely looking forward to this one!
Posted 21:03 21st November 2012
jontheref says...
Thank you all for the wishes.
I hope (and pray!), that we are worthy of your sentiments by the end of the game.
Chwarae Teg.
Posted 19:48 21st November 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Some of our supporters can walk a fine line at times but the ABs themselves are probably the most down to earth, accessible and welcoming group in world rugby, it's great to see them showing Wales the respect they rightfully deserve. Visiting Cardiff on rugby day is one of the greatest experiences a fan can have and being a Kiwi anywhere in Wales is a privilege I hope all Kiwis get to enjoy at some point .
Posted 19:22 21st November 2012
Welshy says...
This will make the history books for all the wrong reasons for Wales. I would be very surprised if we got into double figures. NZ on the other hand are more than capable of putting 30 to 40 on us. I hopw NZ play well, but either way it will not be pretty for Wales.
Posted 18:45 21st November 2012
Isograford says...
Read is totally right. The Welsh will play out of their skins and it will be very tight. Whether they can play out of their skins for 80 minutes is another matter. It must be remember the All Blacks are really only playing well in patches and usually start slowly.
I think Gatland back will make a huge difference.
Posted 18:03 21st November 2012
golden_statenba says...
I think most AB supporters have a great respect for the Welsh
I was in Wales last month with work and it was amazing the respect the welsh had for the ABs but it was interesting that none of the supporters I meet gave their team a chance.
I think to many people read into a teams last game but it does not work like that i.e. Australia/France Australia/England
I think this is the best chance they will have in a while and I think they can do it. I dont see this being a walkover
If anyone is to beat the ABs I would want it to be the Welsh
I doubt the ABs will put 50 on them.
I look forward to the game and I think it is going to be the game of the year. I hope it is anyway as an AB supporter.
Good luck Wales!!!
Posted 16:12 21st November 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
Damn right Mayhem, I feel the same way.
I hope rugby players, coaches and Directors of rugby are inspired enough to try to catch up. If they aren't, then what is the point of their existence? Go away (PRL)and let people who care sort it out.
Posted 14:55 21st November 2012
heathy says...
A short while ago this would have been a good game and Wales may have been the only side that could make New Zealand think. I too admire their respect for Wales but I can't see any of them losing any sleep over this one. Wales are as poor as they have been for many a year. So much promise yet so little delivered. Disappointing in Australia and they have gone downhill fast from there. What the heck has happened? I really don't know but domestically, the Welsh players have been very poor. New Zealand will come and give Wales a hammering on Saturday. Wales have got to hope that they can play out of their skins and keep it respectable. If they play like they have been playing then it will be a massacre. The All Blacks have set the standard and it is very high. They are the stand out team by some distance. This is a game Wales don't need ATM. New Zealand will put 50 points on Wales and this will be very embarrassing considering where Wales thought they stood. Oh deary me. Good luck Wales and I mean that in all sencerity. You are going to need it.
Posted 14:10 21st November 2012
mayhem says...
As a Welshman this All blacks side have reinvigorated my love for rugby. They are, in essence, playing at a different level. I also hope we can give them the stern test they deserve. They are a joy to watch, but we have to somehow match them and make it a game
Posted 11:14 21st November 2012
ferdie says...
a great history and respect between Wales and NZ.
They are my 'second team'. A pity they play so rarely in NZ - surprised to see only seven of the 28 tests played have been in NZ (plus 2 in Australia and 1 in SA during RWCs)
There may be up to six players in the NZ 23 this weekend who were in the 'very close some might say lucky' win over Wales 26-25 in Nov 2004.
Piri Weepu made his debut that day, also a bunch of newish players in the early days of their test careers - Ali Williams, Keven Mealamu, Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Tony Woodcock and Ma'a Nonu on the bench. Now 'old boys' they may still have a few good tests left in them - to me highlights how important a 'core' of players has been, many have been and gone in that time, these guys must all be over 60 tests by now.
For Wales, Gethin Jenkins, Adam Jones, Ryan Jones (a sub). There were six Jones men playing that day.
Posted 09:55 21st November 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
The more respect they have for you the more of a physical battering they give you. It's code for "we're going to bludgeon you, no mercy"
Posted 09:19 21st November 2012
PontySurrey says...
You have to admire the way the All Blacks conduct themselves. No arrogance and always plenty of respect for the opposition. Hopefully we can give them a decent game.
Posted 08:20 21st November 2012