Roberts: Hurting Wales ‘need to make a statement’

Jamie Roberts believes it is “hugely important” that Wales make a statement when they tackle the world’s top team on Saturday.

The current formbook suggests another punishing day at the office for Wales, who have suffered successive defeats against Argentina and Samoa during a painful autumn series. This week’s Millennium Stadium visitors New Zealand, meanwhile, are on a 19-Test unbeaten run and have not suffered defeat by Wales since 1953.

“It is hugely important we make a statement,” said centre Roberts, who will win his 47th cap and be reunited with last season’s World Cup and Six Nations midfield partner Jonathan Davies.