Will Wales put a smile back on Warren Gatland's face this weekend? © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Warren Gatland

Teams: New Zealand | Wales

As a young rugby player growing up in the Waikato, Warren Gatland was well aware of the rich history and keen rivalry New Zealand shared with Wales -- the northern hemisphere's spiritual home of the game.

But by the time he made his All Blacks debut in 1988, that rivalry was on the wane. Gatland started his 17-match career as the indestructible Sean Fitzpatrick's deputy in June that year -- a month after Wales were routed 52-3 at Lancaster Park and 54-9 seven days later in Auckland.

Those inflated scorelines, far from being an aberration, became an embarrassing norm. In the last 11 tests between the two nations, the All Blacks have amassed more than 40 points on nine occasions. And in an indictment on the mindset of Welsh rugby, positives continue to be taken out of the World Cup pool match at Sydney in 2003.

Yes, Wales scored four tries and played with a verve unseen since the halycon days of the 1970s -- but they still shipped 53 points. You can sense the regret as Gatland laments the decline of Wales rugby -- though since taking over as head coach last year he is at least in a position to do something about it.

"For the last couple of generations of Kiwis the history between Wales and New Zealand has gone because of the decline of Welsh rugby," he said, as he prepares his adopted country for the test against the All Blacks at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. "For me, as a youngster in New Zealand, I was very aware of it, and of the Welsh wins in 1905, 1935 and 1953."

The 45-year-old faces the difficult task of helping Wales end a 55-year, 19-test losing streak against the All Blacks when Wales attempt to ruin New Zealand's bid for a third Grand Slam. Leading Wales to the Six Nations crown was the dream start but reality has already kicked in.

South Africa won 20-15 in the autumn season opener on November 8. Now Graham Henry's All Blacks are poised to protect a proud record of 20 wins and just three losses since the nations first met in 1905 -- that first Welsh win forever clouded by the disallowed Bob Deans' try.

Gatland emphasied this week he was proud of his Kiwi heritage but a Welsh win would take some beating. "It would mean a huge amount, because of the time it has been since Wales last beat them," he said.

The Great Redeemer Henry never had the chance -- he never coached against the All Blacks during his Welsh coaching tenure spanning 1998-2002. Gatland has once -- when with Ireland in 2001 but the All Blacks overran them in the second half to win 40-29 at Lansdowne Road.

That Irish side never had the belief they could protect a handy lead, Gatland now faces the same confidence issues with his current players. "I have asked that question because there is no point hiding away from it. I have said to the players, 'Do you really believe we are capable of beating the All Blacks?'

"The response was good, it was optimistic," he said.

"They know they have to build on what we did in the second half against the Springboks. We were finishing over the top of the Boks and I think we came out of that test with some real belief."

Apart from refining tactics with his squad, Gatland has also made a point of trying to demystify the All Blacks. "When you know what the All Black jersey means and the passion connected with it, it does give it that extra edge," he said.

"I've tried to give the players an understanding of New Zealand rugby. I gave them a bit of a history lesson about the haka and some tribal stuff, what it means to Kiwis."

Still, positive reinforcement can only get a team so far. Wales must do their talking on the pitch, make a strong start and cause the sort of disarray France famously achieved the last time the All Blacks played at the Millennium.

"The thing with the All Blacks is from World Cup to World Cup they are the best team in the world and rarely get tested," Gatland said. "When they are in front and have got confidence, no-one can touch them. But when they are under a bit of pressure and the test match gets into an arm lock that is when you begin to see cracks."

Touche.