New Zealand go into Saturday’s game on the back of a hugely successful 12 months. After being crowned World Cup champions at last year’s World Cup, Steve Hansen’s side went on to win the recent Rugby Championship with easy victories over Scotland and Italy on their northern hemisphere tour so far evidence of the threat they pose.
But a number of the squad have revealed they especially look forward to a clash with Wales, in particular playing at the Millennium Stadium.
“Growing up and seeing the Millennium Stadium being built and how amazing it looked was inspiring,” said scrum-half Aaron Smith.
“I was lucky enough to come here in 2008 with the U20 and got to do a little tour of the stadium and my love for the stadium and the city grew.
“I said to myself I’ll play here one day in an All Black jersey and I’m definitely excited about this weekend. It’s something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.
“Outside of New Zealand these guys are pretty passionate about their rugby. With 80,000 screaming fans and a roof on top it’s going to be a good night.”
Smith’s praise for the venue follows Dan Carter’s admission last month that the Millennium Stadium is his favourite ground to play at in world rugby.
“It (the Millennium Stadium) is one of, if not the best stadium in the world,” added All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen.
“If you do your job you can make it quiet but if you don’t it’ll be really noisy no matter who’s playing.”
Former Wales head coach Hansen has named a hugely experienced side to take on Warren Gatland’s Wales.
Conrad Smith partners Ma’a Nonu at centre with the midfield partnership now the most successful in Test match history.
And Smith is another who is relishing a chance to stride out at the home of Welsh rugby.
“It’s pretty unique. The stadiums we play at over here are the best in the world and the noise can be pretty deafening if the home side get a sniff of a victory,” he said.
“We’re aware of that and some of us who have played here have already talked about the noise at the ground.
“At times you can only chat to your mate next to you and you have to come into a huddle if you want to communicate further than that.”
Aside from the Millennium Stadium experience, the centre believes Wales pose a formidable threat.
“I think we’d all much rather they’d won their last two games,” he added.
“There’s a pretty fine line between success and failure and it creates a steely resolve.
“They’ll play well I know they will and we’ve got to make sure we play better than them.”
