Amidst the hype of all the recent tour games, we forget that based on form, Wales and the All Blacks are effectively the two best teams in the world. Of course, aspects such as recent results and actual world rankings dispute this.
The Springboks whitewashed the Welsh 3-0 in 2008, and deserve second ranking in the world, if not for anything but the respect of them being first year World Champions.
But in 2008, the All Blacks are indisputably the finest team around. They won five games against their mighty Tri-Nations opponents, and while losing twice. They have completed a ‘non Tri Nations’ clean sweep.
Two victories against the Irish, the English as well as a century of destruction against Samoa, to go with two distinctly second string offerings (let’s call them “New Zealand B”), taking care of not only a full strength Scotland, but the domestic champions of Europe, Munster.
Albeit, the latter was undermanned and it was excruciatingly close.
They are on the verge of their third ever Grand Slam and are closing in on their third Grand Slam and a magical thirteen Test wins.
Since 2003, the All Blacks have achieved at least ten Test wins a season, not only the best record for a New Zealand team, but of any team over a five year period.
No team in the world has ever posted thirteen Test wins in a season.
Meanwhile, Wales wait on their prized turf of Millennium Stadium as Grand Slamming Six Nations Champions, the second time in four years they have achieved such a feat.
But since that triumph, they have failed to beat the World Champions in three attempts. Worse, a second fifteen of Warren Gatland’s struggled past Canada.
In 103 years of encounters, Wales have only beaten the All Blacks three times, and never by more than five points, never away from Wales, and most importantly, the last time was nearly 55 years ago.
Even the Welsh magicians from the valley of the mythological era in the late sixties and seventies could not defeat the dreaded black invaders, and it will require numerous factors for an all consuming All Black team to lose.
For New Zealand, we see their strongest team rolled out. And on this year’s form, we bear witness to two of the great players of the modern game: New Zealand Captain Richie McCaw and playmaker Dan Carter.
Amongst the two champions, are a team that still boasts over 600 test caps and features leading players Tony Woodcock, Ali Williams, Rodney So’oialo, Ma’ Nonu and Mils Muliaina.
Meanwhile, the Red Dragons are as close to full strength as the can be.
Martyn Williams was being touted as the best open side to roam Europe, and should at least gain parity with McCaw. Their pack went through England, France and Italy – three of the stronger forward combinations in world rugby.
But the important tackle area will likely be owned by the All Black back row.
In the backs, Gavin Henson’s presence will be sorely missed, but a Welsh back division still containing Shane Williams is a magical attack.
Stephen Jones is experienced with a strong boot, but he does not have the running vision of other Welsh fly halves, nor of Carter.
Curiously like the All Blacks, they have two high quality number nines, which means that we should see plenty of balls in play.
Wales will not beat the All Blacks without brilliance. Employing a traditional game plan against this New Zealand side will not yield victory.
But even with the faithful roaring down from the valleys, it is doubtful that this sound Red Dragon side can defeat the All Blacks.
Wales will not be humbled, but they will go down valiantly to a side looking for a historical Grand Slam.
New Zealand by ten.
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