– In their 377 matches New Zealand have won 273, lost 87 and drawn 17. They have a 72% success rate.
– Previous meetings – Wales won 3 (1905, 1935, 1953) NZ won 16. Points – 141-528. Tries – 14-72. New Zealand have won on all the last 15 meetings.
– New Zealand are coached in the 2003 World Cup by former All Black No 8 John Mitchell, who played for Waikato and coached Sale Sharks and Waikato Chiefs and was assistant coach for England under Clive Woodward. As a player he led Waikato to victory over Wales at Hamilton in 1988.
– Wales have won their last five matches, but New Zealand have now won their last nine, since losing to England in Wellington. Reuben Thorne has led New Zealand to 16 wins.
– Colin Charvis has led Wales 12 times with seven wins.
– The HAKA will be performed by the All Blacks before the kick-off: here are the lyrics for you to practise…
“Ringa pakia, Uma tiraha, Turi whatia, Hope whai ake, Waewae takahia kia kino, Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!, Ka mate! Ka mate! Ka ora! Ka ora!, Tenei te tangata puhuru huru, Nana nei i tiki mai, Whakawhiti te ra, A upa … ne! ka upa … ne!, A upane kaupane whiti TE RA!”
– In 1905 the Haka was performed before their match against Cardiff, whereupon the home fly-half Percy Bush went to the touchline and picked up a shield and spear, running at his opponents yelling out in reply.
– The match will be the 532nd played by Wales with 279 won, 227 lost and 25 drawn.
– New Zealand born Steve Hansen has won 9, lost 15 as Wales coach.
– Oldest living Wales cap Harry Bowcott recalled that New Zealand was the finest country he ever visited, having toured with the 1930 British side. He went back some 55 years later to attend ‘This is Your Life’ for the great All Black full back George Nepia.
