Three key questions: What's Wales' best chance of rattling the ABs?

Name: Watch: Kieran Read calls on his side to play with composure
Uploaded: 2016-06-10T17:10:27+12:00
Duration: 95 s
Description: All Blacks captain Kieran Read has called on his side to play with composure while not stifling their attacking instincts in their first test of the year against Wales at Eden Park tomorrow.

Herald online

11 Jun, 2016 12:39 AM2 mins to read

All Blacks captain Kieran Read has called on his side to play with composure while not stifling their attacking instincts in their first test of the year against Wales at Eden Park tomorrow.

Herald rugby writers Gregor Paul and Patrick McKendry answer three key questions ahead of the All Blacks test against Wales tonight.

What's Wales' best chance of rattling the All Blacks?

Gregor Paul: Wales won't care about rattling the All Blacks, they want to beat them and are good enough to do so. If they kick and chase well they can frustrate an All Black back three that will be eager to run. If they can send Jamie Roberts smashing over the gainline and retain and recycle possession, they will build pressure. Be safe, be sensible, don't make mistakes, score points when they are on and be brave enough to go wide when they have earned the right ... pretty much the same thinking the All Blacks will have.

Patrick McKendry: Early points - a couple of penalties and a try for example - would put scoreboard pressure on the All Blacks. The All Blacks will be hard to break down but it's Wales' best hope.

Who has most to prove for All Blacks?

GP: All 23 of them have everything to prove but no doubt the likes of Sam Cane, Aaron Cruden, Ryan Crotty and Malakai Fekitoa - who are respectively replacing four legends of All Blacks rugby, will feel like they need to play well.

PM: Julian Savea needs to get involved and play with desire to prove that he is still one of the best wings in the world. He hasn't shown that enough for the Hurricanes this season.

What would be the perfect outcome for Steve Hansen?

GP: A tough, brutal game that asks plenty of questions of his new side. The perfect scenario would be for the All Blacks to respond well to that pressure, find solutions, make good decisions, gel as a team and put Wales away by a comfortable margin. And of course - no injuries.

PM: A victory and a compelling performance, in particular from the All Blacks' relatively inexperienced midfield. A good injury report afterwards would also be helpful.