INTERNATIONAL RUGBY TEST MATCH: New Zealanders Seek Grand Slam

27.11.2010
New Zealand v Wales in Cardiff

Venue: Millennium Stadium

Referee: Alan Lewis (Ireland)

Preview
New Zealand is on the brink of achieving their second successive Grand Slam as this decade is about to run out. Facing them is a Welsh side reeling from a 16-16 draw against Fiji last weekend.

New Zealand just has to keep on doing all the right things they have been doing. They are a very clinical side. They ruthlessly punish any mistakes, they absorb pressure and can score against the run of play.

Daniel Carter will surely become the world's most prolific point scorer and overtake Jonny Wilkinson's record points haul

What can Wales do to turn around from a 16-16 against Fiji.I just can't see it happening. They've sacked their captain so at best the side is now rebuilding towards the 6 Nations Championship, 2011.

Last Five Encounters
26.06.2010 New Zealand 29-10 in Hamilton
19.06.2010 New Zealand 42-9 in Dunedin
07.11.2009 New Zealand 19-12 in Cardiff
22.11.2008 New Zealand 29-9 in Cardiff
25.11.2006 New Zealand 45-10 in Cardiff

Wales last defeated New Zealand in 1953, winning 13-8 in Cardiff.

GWC Rugby Rankings
World Table-New Zealand 3rd, Wales 9th

IRB Ranking Points
New Zealand 93.19, Wales 77.67

Prediction: New Zealand by 23 points

Teams

Wales
15 Lee Byrne, 14 George North, 13 Thomas Shanklin, 12 James Hook, 11 Thomas James, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Michael Phillips, 8 Ryan Jones, 7 Samuel Warburton, 6 Daniel Lydiate, 5 Alun-Wyn Jones, 4 Bradley Davies, 3 Adam Jones, 2 Matthew Rees, Capt. 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements
16 Huw Bennett, 17 Paul James, 18 Jonathan Thomas, 19 Andrew Powell, 20 Martyn Williams, 21 Ricard Rees, 22 Andrew Bishop.
Head Coach: Warren Gatland

New Zealand
15 Mils Muliaina, 14 Isaia Toeava, 13 Conrad Smith, 12 Sonny Bill Williams, 11 Hosea Gear, 10 Daniel Carter, 9 James Cowan, 8 Kieran Read, 7 Richie McCaw, Capt. 6 Jerome Kaino, 5 Samuel Whitelock, 4 Bradley Thorn, 3 Owen Franks, 2 Keven Mealamu, 1 Tony Woodcock.
Replacements
16 Andrew Hore, 17 John Afoa, 18 Anthony Boric, 19 Daniel Braid, 20 Andrew Ellis, 21 Stephen Donald, 22 Ma'a Nonu.
Head Coach: Graham Henry