New Zealand can sweep its European rugby tour for the third straight year with a win over Wales before returning to the Northern Hemisphere for the World Cup.
Two victories over France and one against England, with different lineups each time, have only confirmed the belief that the All Blacks will be dominant at next year's World Cup in France.
But Wales believes it's ready to end the All Blacks' 13-match unbeaten streak in Europe and beat New Zealand for the first time since 1953.
``They aren't any fitter than us any more, they aren't any stronger,'' Wales No. 8 Ryan Jones said. ``We all have same skills _ we can all pass, tackle, kick _ but it is a case of playing . . . with belief.
``It is important we go out and have a self belief and a certain arrogance. We show them respect _ but we can't panic and go into our shells.''
All Blacks fly half Dan Carter, who scored 26 points the last time New Zealand played Wales, feels the Dragons will pose the greatest threat on tour.
``They have a good set piece and some dangerous backs,'' Carter said. ``We see a real threat there. I can see them really trying to take it to us.''
New Zealand has made six changes from the team that beat France 23-11 last week. Only Carter, captain Richie McCaw and prop Carl Hayman will have started all four of the Tests.
In the forwards, Neemia Tialata comes in at loosehead prop ahead of Tony Woodcock, Anton Oliver replaces Keven Mealamu at hooker and Keith Robinson starts at lock in place of Chris Jack.
Right wing Rico Gear replaces Joe Rokocoko, Conrad Smith comes in at outside centre with Mils Muliaina moving to fullback and Leon MacDonald dropping out. Luke McAlister starts at inside centre.
For Wales, captain and fly half Stephen Jones has recovered from a knee injury that sidelined him from wins over Canada and the Pacific Islanders.
``We can't underestimate the boost he will give to the team,'' Wales coach Gareth Jenkins said. ``He is not only our captain and our leader on the pitch, but also a pivotal player at fly half.''
Jenkins also named New Zealand-born Sonny Parker at inside centre. Parker only came out of international retirement two weeks ago after quitting before the 2006 Six Nations.
``He comes into an exciting backline with the kind of pace and power which can hopefully match New Zealand and enable us to take our game plan to them,'' Jenkins said.
Kevin Morgan starts at fullback, with Duncan Jones and Rhys Thomas also called up.
``We go into this game with a huge amount of self-belief,'' Jenkins said. ``We know we are playing the No. 1 team in world rugby, but we also know they are human beings.''
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Wales
Kevin Morgan, Mark Jones, Tom Shanklin, Sonny Parker, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones (capt.), Dwayne Peel; Duncan Jones, Rhys Thomas, Adam Jones, Ian Gough, Ian Evans, Jonathan Thomas, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones.
Replacements: Matthew Rees, Gethin Jenkins, Alun Wyn Jones, Alix Popham, Michael Phillips, James Hook, Gavin Henson.
New Zealand: Mils Muliaina, Rico Gear, Conrad Smith, Luke McAlister, Sitiveni Sivivatu, Dan Carter, Byron Kelleher; Neemia Tialata, Anton Oliver, Carl Hayman, Keith Robinson, Ali Williams, Jerry Collins, Richie McCaw (capt.), Rodney So'oialo.
Replacements: Andrew Hore, Tony Woodcock, James Ryan, Reuben Thorne, Piri Weepu, Nick Evans, Ma'a Nonu.
© The Canadian Press, 2007
