Martyn Williams admits Wales are far more worried about facing the All Blacks than Six Nations champions England in the World Cup.
Wales play New Zealand in their final pool game this Sunday before an expected quarter-final showdown with England the following week. Welsh flanker Williams has been on the wrong side of heavy defeats to both teams in the past five months, losing 55-3 to New Zealand and then 43-9 to England.
But he rates the block-busting trio of Doug Howlett, Mils Muliaina and Joe Rokocoko as the difference between the All Blacks and the rest of the world, and describes New Zealand as the “ultimate challenge”.
“The All Blacks are definitely the best team in the world at the moment – they are more dangerous than England,” said Williams.
“Obviously England are a world-class side and have achieved great results over the last year but I just think the All Blacks can score from anywhere and the gas they possess in their back three is just frightening.”
If Wales lose to New Zealand in Sydney then they will head north to Brisbane for an emotion-charged clash with England in Brisbane.
But Williams insists Wales cannot afford to be caught with one eye on Martin Johnson and Co, especially against New Zealand.
“People are already bringing up the England game but everything we do has to be focused on New Zealand this Sunday. If we make the mistake of looking ahead of next week we will be in for a hiding,” said Williams, who still carries a three-inch scar from an All Black boot from the last time they clashed in June.
“We’ve got two huge games coming up, whoever we play in the quarter-finals, and I just hope we won’t get lost in the occasion.
“We have played both of these sides recently so everyone in the squad knows what to expect. But we also know that the pressure is well and truly off us know that we have qualified.
“All the pressure was on us for the Italy game but now that we are the underdogs again we have nothing to lose.
“There is a good spirit in the camp after getting five consecutive wins under our belt and we know we are capable rugby side. We’re just going to enjoy it and who knows?”
