The All Blacks skipper will reach the milestone after making his debut against the same opponents a decade ago. He switches back to his more customary role of openside flanker after playing on the blindside in last weekend’s victory over Scotland.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen had no hesitation when heralding his captain as one of the greatest to have ever played the game.
“He is now one of the all-time great leaders of any sports team,” he said.
McCaw captained New Zealand for the first time when they faced Wales in November 2004, the 26-25 result being the closest Wales have ever got to being on the winning side in the professional era.
With Wales confident of ending their nightmare run of 25 consecutive defeats against the men in black, Hansen is braced for a keenly contested encounter.
“We are expecting a physical Test with a high ‘ball-in-play’ time,” said Hansen.
“We know we will have to be totally engaged in our own roles for the full 80 minutes and take the game to the Welsh at every opportunity.”
New Zealand: Ben Smith; Charles Piutau, Conrad Smith, Sonny Bill Williams, Julian Savea; Beauden Barrett, Aaron Smith; Wyatt Crockett, Dane Coles, Owen Franks, Brodie Retallick, Sam Whitelock, Kieran Read, Richie McCaw (capt), Jerome Kaino.
Replacements: Keven Mealamu, Joe Moody, Charlie Faumuina, Patrick Tuipulotu, Liam Messam, TJ Perenara, Colin Slade, Ryan Crotty.
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