KEY POINTS:
CARDIF- Stephen Jones was well aware he has not experienced success against the All Blacks in nine attempts - but it was another damning rugby statistic that illustrated the challenge Wales face to stop New Zealand here tomorrow.
As the first five-eighth prepares to renew his rivalry with
Daniel Carter he is confronted with the fact Carter has scored 32 more points in his four tests against the reigning Six Nations champions than the entire Welsh team could muster.
"I just saw that statistic of him scoring 73 points (against Wales). But it's not just his goalkicking - his general all-round play has contributed to the team's success against us," Jones said.
The veteran No 10 is in a fine position to judge.
He was on the field in Hamilton when Carter made his test debut in 2003 and the world's premier pivot has been a nemesis ever since.
The 2005 British and Irish Lions tour was a particularly uncomfortable experience for the Welshman as he watched a Carter masterclass unfold.
He insists it was not entirely a chastening experience.
"As a player, you enjoy playing against the best - and he's certainly the best," Jones maintained.
He played the three Lions tests and has lost six times in a Wales shirt against the world's No 1 ranked side.
The novelty has worn off, but Jones accepts Wales' losing streak against the men in black - 19 tests since 1953 - will not be snapped easily inside the Millennium Stadium on Saturday (6.15am Sunday NZT).
Jones has experienced an average scoreline of New Zealand 44 Wales 16 during his career.
He was captain the last time Wales met New Zealand in Cardiff two years ago, when the All Blacks inflicted a 45-10 thrashing.
But the 30-year-old has taken heart from two tests in recent years when Wales almost bucked the trend.
"All the games have been tough encounters, as you would expect, but there's been some memorable ones as well.
"I enjoyed the 2003 World Cup match in Sydney (Wales lost 53-37 but scored four tries). That was a great game of rugby, and the first time everything we'd worked on had come into line.
"The game at the Millennium Stadium four years ago, when we were beaten 26-25, was frustrating - but at least it showed we were there.
"When you play the best teams in the world, you've got to have self-belief and back yourself.
"It's about performing and winning. We didn't do that against South Africa (a 15-20 loss on November 8), and it is a big 'ask' for us on Saturday. But provided we meet our targets and objectives, it should be a good game."
- NZPA