LEIGH Halfpenny believes Wales are no longer in awe of the All Blacks. But Halfpenny and company need to walk the walk on Saturday following a demoralising run of 20 successive defeats that has seen New Zealand amass almost 700 points at Wales’ expense.
Wales, though, gained considerable belief from their showing a year ago when they led New Zealand 9-6 at half-time before an irresistible All Blacks power-play saw them score 20 unanswered points. And Halfpenny, who won just his third cap that Novemb
er afternoon, insists the lessons learnt have not been forgotten.
“I think the time where players were in awe of them has gone. It’s definitely about us and not them this year,” he said. “We have moved on as a team. Before, we would be playing the All Blacks and trying to keep the score down.
“Last year, we got confidence out of it that we had them on the ropes until half-time. We didn’t manage to play in the second-half then, but we have learnt from that and we are confident.
“From last season, we have definitely gained belief that they are not invincible. We learned from that experience. We have to have the belief now that we can go out and play for the full 80 minutes and get a result.”
Dan Carter, who suffered a calf injury in the win over New Zealand last weekend, has been declared fit,
with All Blacks boss Graham Henry making six changes from the side on duty in Tokyo.
New Zealand: (V Wales in Cardiff on Saturday ) M Muliaina; C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, Z Guildford; D Carter, B Leonard; W Crockett, A Hore, N Tialata, B Thorn, J Eaton, J Kaino, R McCaw (capt), K Read. Replacements: C Flynn, O Franks, T Donnelly, A Thomson, J Cowan, S Donald, B Smith.
