McBryde urges Wales to clinch historic victory

Published on Friday 6 November 2009 22:59

ROBIN McBryde has challenged the Wales players ahead of today's clash with New Zealand, declaring: "It is an opportunity to make history."

Wales last beat the All Blacks 56 years ago, with repeated subsequent attempts often ending in abject failure. But forwards coach McBryde delivered an upbeat message after Wales completed their preparations at the Millennium Stadium.

"It would mean everything to win," he said. "It is an opportunity to make history. The players are well aware of what's on offer, which is to go out there and make a name for themselves and put an end to the poor record we've got against New Zealand."

Wales' overall record against New Zealand shows just three victories – in 1905, 1935 and 1953 – from 24 attempts, while the All Blacks have scored 722 points and 95 tries.

Backs coach Rob Howley admitted: "They (New Zealand] have had the better of us over the last so many decades and the boys are looking forward to a great opportunity."

Wales: J Hook (Ospreys); L Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), J Roberts (Cardiff Blues), S Williams (Ospreys); S Jones (Scarlets), G Cooper (Cardiff Blues); G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), M Rees (Scarlets), P James (Ospreys), A-W Jones (Ospreys), L Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), A Powell (Cardiff Blues), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), R Jones (Ospreys, capt). Replacements: H Bennett (Ospreys), Duncan Jones (Ospreys), B Davies (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Jones (Scarlets), M Roberts (Scarlets), J Davies (Scarlets), T James (Cardiff Blues).

New Zealand: M Muliaina (Waikato Chiefs); C Jane, C Smith, M Nonu, Z Guildford (all Wellington Hurricanes); D Carter (Canterbury Crusaders), B Leonard (Waikato Chiefs); W Crockett (Canterbury Crusaders), A Hore, N Tialata (both Wellington Hurricanes), B Thorn (Canterbury Crusaders), J Eaton (Wellington Hurricanes), J Kaino (Auckland Blues), R McCaw (capt), K Read (both Canterbury Crusaders). Replacements: C Flynn, O Franks (both Canterbury Crusaders), T Donnelly, A Thomson, J Cowan (all Otago Highlanders), S Donald (Waikato Chiefs), B Smith (Otago Highlanders).