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CARDIFF - When Cardiff Arms Park was dug up, spun 90 degrees and renamed Millennium Stadium a few years back, it marked a junction in the famous ground's association with the All Blacks.
In the pages of New Zealand rugby history, it's hard to think of an overseas
ground that could beat the Arms Park for its sheer majesty and sense of occasion.
Set in the middle of a fervent rugby city, the ground witnessed some of New Zealand's most dramatic and most celebrated sporting moments - all to the backdrop of a resounding atmosphere and singing unmatched anywhere.
Instant examples were Bob Deans' "non-try" in 1905, Gareth Edwards' breathtaking score for the Barbarians in 1973 and Andy Haden's lineout dive in 1978.
The arrival of professionalism saw the ground upgraded to host the 1999 World Cup.
About then began a more contemporary relationship, a partnership with a venue and a city that has helped shape the current All Blacks team - the favourites to win the World Cup - like no other.
A first seed was planted in 1998 when successful Auckland and Blues coach Graham Henry upped sticks to begin a planned five-year tenure at the helm of the Welsh national team.
Mounting pressure from the media and other sectors of Welsh rugby saw Henry end his high-profile reign in 2001 and pass the baton to compatriot Steve Hansen.
By the time Hansen left after the 2003 World Cup, the New Zealand influence appeared to have revived the fortunes of Welsh rugby, while also having advanced the pair's coaching careers considerably.
Henry, Hansen and Wayne Smith combined as the new All Blacks' brains trust after the failed World Cup campaign in Australia.
Every year of their reign has featured a test in Cardiff, each with its own significance.
However, it's worth first going back to the test at Millennium Stadium in 2002.
That test, won 43-17, effectively marked the genesis of a forward pack which has gone on to steamroll world rugby in recent seasons.
With then-coach John Mitchell resting most of his senior, Canterbury-based players, it was a raw lineup who faced Wales in the final test of the tour.
A young No 8 named Rodney So'oialo won his first cap, along with hooker Keven Mealamu. It was also the debut for Tony Woodcock, while fellow-prop Carl Hayman was making just his second start. Locks Ali Williams and Keith Robinson were both playing only their third tests.
Fast forward two years and Henry had promoted all those players to top team status as he set about building a squad for the 2007 World Cup.
After a season of trial and error, it was the 2004 end-of-year tour that marked the real beginning of Henry's inclusive, player-driven approach to coaching the All Blacks.
A record win at Paris is regarded as the defining game of that tour but special mention must be made of the 26-25 defeat of Wales in Cardiff.
With Tana Umaga rested that week, flanker Richie McCaw was handed the skipper's arm band for the first time.
Henry recognised the chance to promote and closely observe the man he regarded as a future leader.
The match itself was easily the toughest of a current five-year unbeaten run in Europe for the All Blacks, and perhaps the first real indication that Henry's men had the ticker to win close contests.
The Cardiff test a year later was the opposite scenario as New Zealand kick-started their Grand Slam tour with a 41-3 crushing of the Welsh.
This performance was more about showcasing the speed, skill and depth developing in a team who had put some distance between themselves and the rest of the world.
Last November's match in Cardiff was another hiding for the Welsh, 45-10, although it was an occasion dominated by controversy.
Miffed at a change in pre-test protocol, the All Blacks chose to perform the haka inside their dressing room.
The decision was lambasted by a large chunk of supporters in both countries but it proved one thing.
This was an All Blacks side developing their own ethos, a group who would stand up for what they believe in and do it together - no matter what the consequences.
Cardiff is the scene once more this week, for the highly anticipated World Cup quarterfinal against France.
Henry is confident that a bond built up between the Welsh people and his team will grant them the all-important neutral support.
Hansen sensed the vibe of the city this week would lift the players, a sentiment echoed by Smith.
"The boys like Cardiff, they love the feel of the rugby here, the tradition and the spirit," Smith said.
"It's been road-tested pretty well, it's a positive place for us and we're ready for it.
"We've just found the stadium a fantastic place to play. If you can't get up in that stadium, you're never going to get up."
- NZPA
