Henry braces All Blacks for ‘kitchen sink’ from Wales
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, who is out with a groin injury.
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 but 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 in 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 will have played 15 Test matches by the time we’ve finished, 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.”
Henry has dismissed any fear 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, some disappointing.
“It is one of the best in the world. The crowd is very vocal, and there is a huge atmosphere.”
Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts, about to win his sixth cap, insists the Six Nations champions will not lose any mind games.
He said: “Probably a lot of players, before they face the All Blacks, are a bit like some boxers who fought Muhammad Ali — in that they lost the fight before they even fought.
“I am sure that has happened to a lot of teams down the years. But I see it as 15 versus 15 on a patch of grass. You take all the history out of the game, and it is about who performs on the day.”
Warren Gatland, meanwhile, is set to make a decision today on whether Ospreys fly-half James Hook is fit enough for bench duty. Hook limped off during the Canada game because of knee tendon trouble, and his 19-year-old Ospreys colleague Dan Biggar is standing by to step in as cover for Stephen Jones.
Meanwhile, Danny Cipriani is determined to bounce back from a disappointing fortnight by leading England to a win against South Africa. The 21-year-old was frustrated by his performances in the win against the Pacific Islanders and last weekend’s defeat to Australia.
“Martin Johnson has picked me again, and I have a chance to put a stamp on the game. I expect to direct the team in the right way,” said Cipriani.
“I need to find consistency — so does the team.”
New Zealand team v Wales: 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 (capt), R McCaw (capt), R So’oialo. Replacements: C Flynn, tbc, A Boric, K Read, P Weepu, S Donald, I Toeava.
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