Edwards: All Blacks the ultimate test

Wales might have already played world champions South Africa this autumn – but Shaun Edwards has hailed New Zealand as rugby union’s “standard-bearers”.

The All Blacks juggernaut will rumble into Cardiff tomorrow ahead of Saturday’s Millennium Stadium clash against the reigning RBS 6 Nations champions.

New Zealand, under the watchful eye of their former Wales coaches Graham Henry and Steve Hansen, are red-hot favourites to complete the third phase of a potential grand slam tour following comfortable victories over Scotland and Ireland.

Wales last toppled the All Blacks 55 years ago, losing on 19 successive occasions since that December afternoon at Cardiff Arms Park.

And Wales defence coach Edwards said: “Throughout history, they (New Zealand) are the standard-bearers for the game.

“That’s not to say that the northern hemisphere teams can’t beat them at certain times.

“They are probably the most respected name in world rugby, and the ultimate challenge I suppose is to play against the All Blacks.

“This current crop of players they’ve got are up there with the tradition of the past of the All Blacks.

“Their aggression at the breakdown is second to none, and their scramble defence has done fantastically well.

“They were totally dominant throughout the game against Ireland last Saturday - on paper, it was a very strong Ireland team.

“It’s the ultimate challenge in world rugby to play against the All Blacks, and we are looking forward to the challenge.

“Here in Wales, there is no doubt the players are given great kudos for the victories that the team have achieved, and rightly so.

“But the northern hemisphere is dominated by soccer, not rugby, whereas in the southern hemisphere – particularly South Africa, Australia, New Zealand – the dominant sport is rugby.

“I am sure every little boy round there wants to grow up and become a Test rugby player.”

Wales boss Warren Gatland is due to name his team at lunchtime today – and it could be unchanged from the side beaten 20-15 by the Springboks 10 days ago.

Dwayne Peel is exerting pressure on scrum-half incumbent Gareth Cooper. But switches are more likely among the replacements, where 19-year-old Dan Biggar might feature.

James Hook, Biggar’s Ospreys colleague, limped off during Wales’ 34-13 victory over Canada last Friday night and is battling to regain full fitness in time for the All Blacks.

Hook suffered a knee tendon injury, although Gatland was determined to give him as much time as possible in his recovery battle.

Edwards added: “His treatment is ongoing. I suppose it’s 50-50 – but I am not a physio.”