Wales v New Zealand
Henry braced for Welsh onslaught
PA Sport
November 19, 2008
Back line coach Wayne Smith (L) and head coach Graham Henry of the New Zealand All Blacks speak at a press conference at the Hilton Hotel in Cardiff to name the team to play Wales in Wales, United Kingdom on November 19, 2008.
All Blacks coach Graham Henry and assistant Wayne Smith talk to the media on arrival in Cardiff © Getty Images
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Graham Henry expects "the kitchen sink" from Wales on Saturday when they attempt to derail New Zealand's potential grand slam tour.

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. Wellington star Smith was not considered for the Wales clash because of a groin injury.

Prop Tony Woodcock's availability was confirmed on Wednesday night after he was cleared to play by disciplinary chiefs in Dublin. Henry had been unable to finalise his front-row earlier in the day. Hooker Keven Mealamu was confirmed as a starter, but the props will be two from Woodcock, Neemia Tialata and John Afoa.

Woodcock was cited for striking an opponent with his fist during the Croke Park clash. 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. 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 them halfway towards completing a successful grand slam tour, with Wales awaiting them on Saturday, followed by England at Twickenham seven days later.

But Henry 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."

And Henry has dismissed any prospect of an All Blacks hangover, with his players returning to the Millennium Stadium for the first time since quarter-final opponents France destroyed their World Cup dream last year. He added: "I've been involved in a fair few games at the stadium - some good and some disappointing. It is one of the best stadiums in the world. The crowd is very vocal, and there is a huge atmosphere."

New Zealand: M Muliaina; J Rokocoko, R Kahui, M Nonu, S Sivivatu; D Carter, J Cowan; T Woodcock/N Tialata/J Afoa, K Mealamu, T Woodcock/N Tialata/J Afoa, B Thorn, A Williams, J Kaino, R McCaw (capt), R So'oialo.

Replacements: C Flynn, tbc, A Boric, K Read, P Weepu, S Donald, I Toeava.

© Scrum.com

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