“Wales have improved since that game. They are playing with far more width, collectively they have a greater skill set than any of the other sides we have played so far and are very physical in attack and defence,” he said.
Centre Aaron Mauger, who emerged through the Canterbury Crusaders academy under now Wales coach Steve Hansen, has also recovered from a persistent knee problem to make his first appearance of the World Cup.
And the All Blacks are still confident that vice captain and talisman Tana Umaga will complete a remarkable recovery in time to play in the quarter-finals just four weeks after damaging knee ligaments against Italy in their first game.
“There is every possibility Tana will be considered for selection next week,” admitted Mitchell.
Umaga’s continued absence means Leon MacDonald holds onto his place in midfield outside Mauger and Carlos Spencer ahead of original replacement Ma’a Nonu.
Skipper Reuben Thorne will again lead the team in a back-row that includes another Hansen graduate Richie McCaw and Jerry Collins who left Wales captain Colin Charvis unconscious and in hospital with a thunderous tackle the last time they met.
Wales name their team on Friday.
New Zealand: M Muliaina; D Howlett, L MacDonald, A Mauger, J Rokocoko; C Spencer, J Marshall; D Hewett, K Mealamu, G Somerville, B Thorn, A Williams, R Thorne (capt), J Collins, R McCaw
Replacements: M Hammett, K Meeuws, R So’oialo, M Holah, B Keleher, D Carter, M Nonu
