KEY POINTS:
CARDIFF - The year 1953 is both a beacon in Welsh rugby history and a festering wound they have been unable to heal since against the All Blacks.
Wales' 13-8 win that year was also the year of the Queen's coronation and Sir Edmund Hillary's successful ascent of Everest. And despite the rabid witterings from past greats, current players and coaches, Wales are not going to lift the crown from the world's best side tomorrow.
They have improved, they do exhibit an attacking intent and the All Blacks have done their best to talk them up. World Cup 2003 and the one-point defeat two years ago get trotted out as examples of the narrowing gap between the nations, scarcely a mention of the 41-3 All Black win last year.
Wales have got some of their best talent back from injury, they have started their autumn series promisingly, but they are not yet in the same league as the All Blacks.
The hosts have a skilled and grafting pack, an adequate tight five with strong loose forwards, but Wales are not going to win this test up route one. The All Black defence is too tight.
Instead Wales have to go wide where they have some strike power, but they must be selective.
Shovelling possession wide will be easy pickings for New Zealand and invite the danger of turnovers and counter-attack.
Richie McCaw's menacing presence will loom over Wales' strategies with his ability to plunder turnovers or slow the ball down. There are also doubts about the distribution skills of the Welsh midfield.
Under pressure, do they have the speed and courage to move the ball on, or will they be forced to take the tackle and slow any momentum?
Sonny Parker and Tom Shanklin are big defenders and have a high work rate, which is why they got the nod ahead of Gavin Henson. But they are not renowned for their delivery.
Wales have patted themselves on the back for their autumn results but they will not have the All Blacks quaking. Their greatest concern might be the state of the ground. The surface is sticky while the crown on the turf means players feel they always have to adjust their footing. Scrummaging is hazardous because of the soft surface.
The grass has stopped growing but the stadium roof was open this week to the persistent rain so the groundsman could get some air into the surface when he rolled it. Conditions might be awkward but centre Conrad Smith relishes that sort of contest.
"I don't mind a wet track," he said. "It is not just a leveller, it heightens the need for skills and you have to limit your errors."
Smith hoped Wales would try to be creative because that would be a more stringent test of the All Black qualities.
" It can be nerve-wracking but if it is a test it brings out the best in you."
This is the final evaluation for players such as Smith, Keith Robinson, Luke McAlister, Rico Gear and Neemia Tialata, who have had limited international duty this season.
Strong showings will move them closer to the black ink in the World Cup lists, final impressions at test level will carry more clout than Super 14 performances. Smith is not ready for a spell after his recent return from a broken leg though most of the squad can only think of some respite.
The danger will be if they have one foot on the plane rather than their total concentration on the 13th test of the year for the All Blacks.
This is a chance to soak up what lies ahead next year when the All Blacks are scheduled to play their World Cup quarter-final at the same stadium.
The demands have not altered, the scrum has to be stable and direct to impress referee Dave Pearson, the lineout needs more of the same from Twickenham, Stade de Gerland and Stade de France.
Better protection for Byron Kelleher would quell some of the untidiness of last week, then it will be over to Daniel Carter to decide on priorities and tactics.
The midfield scrutiny of McAlister and Smith will continue in what is going to be a precursor to one of the main World Cup selection debates.
Ma'a Nonu, Aaron Mauger, Nick Evans, Mils Muliaina and Sam Tuitupou are all in the mix as well - too many players, not enough places. But the emphasis for the entire group tomorrow is on creating a performance to remember, continuing the 53 years of Welsh misery since their last win against New Zealand.
"There are no excuses, nowhere to hide if we are not good enough," All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith said.
All Blacks v Wales
Cardiff, tomorrow 6am
All Blacks:Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Byron Kelleher, Rodney So'oialo, Richie McCaw (c), Jerry Collins, Ali Williams, Keith Robinson, Carl Hayman, Anton Oliver, Neemia Tialata.
Reserves: Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock, James Ryan, Reuben Thorne, Piri Weepu, Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu.
Wales:Kevin Morgan, Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Sonny Parker, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones (c), Dwayne Peel, Ryan Jones, Martyn Williams, Jonathan Thomas, Ian Evans, Ian Gough, Adam Jones, Rhys Thomas, Duncan Jones.
Reserves: Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins, Alun-Wyn Jones, Alix Popham, Mike Phillips, James Hook, Gavin Henson.
