All Blacks v Wales: 10 to watch

Wales are hoping to end one of sport's longest running hoodoos when they take on the All Blacks in Cardiff on Sunday (NZT).

Wales have not beaten the All Blacks in 56 years but, while not at full strength, coach Warren Gatland has named a side with enough strike power to suggest they will give Richie McCaw's men a run for their money at the Millennium Stadium.

The All Blacks have injury concerns of their own, namely to star first five-eighths Dan Carter, and have made six changes to the side which beat the Wallabies in Tokyo last week.

After an indifferent year this All Black side will be desperate to keep their record against Wales intact. So with plenty at stake, we look at 10 players who will feature prominently come Sunday.

ALL BLACKS

Zac Guildford
After starring for the New Zealand under-20 side and then Hawkes Bay in the Air New Zealand Cup, Guildford has been selected to make his debut on the left wing. In for the suspended Sitiveni Sivivatu, Guildford is tipped for big things by coach Graham Henry, who compared him to All Black great John Kirwan.

Cory Jane
He's playing out of position but you wouldn't have guessed it judging by his last two performances for the All Blacks. Things seem to happen whenever Jane has his hands on the ball so Wales would be wise to pay him extra attention.

Stephen DonaldWhile Dan Carter has been named to start it's clear he's not 100 per cent fit, which means Donald may have to steer the All Blacks home. If it's close at the back-end of the game can he be trusted to hold his nerve?

Jason Eaton
Selected for his first test start in more than two years, Eaton needs to show he can cut it as a test-class lock. While his ability to play blindside is valuable, it may not be enough to keep his place in the squad if he can't prove his worth in the tight-five.

Wyatt Crockett
One-test All Black Crockett has replaced Tony Woodcock, who was suspended for striking in Tokyo. While Crockett is unlikely get many chances when Woodcock is available, it would be comforting to Henry and co to know they have a capable performer waiting in the wings.

WALES

James Hook
Regular first five-eighths Hook has been shifted to fullback for the injured Lee Byrne. Has limited experience in the No 15 jersey so is surely to be tested by the All Black kickers.

Shane Williams
What Williams lacks in size he makes up for with pace and dazzling footwork. At 32, the diminutive wing may be past his prime but with 46 test tries to his name the All Blacks would chose ignore him at their peril.

Jamie Roberts
Second five-eighths Jamie Roberts shot to prominence in the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa earlier this year, where he was named Lions' player of the series. After starting out as a centre and spending some time on the wing and at fullback for Wales, Roberts has found a home in the No 12 jersey and his clash with Ma'a Nonu should be one of the highlights of Sunday's test.

Martyn Williams
Flanker Williams is a veteran of 88 tests and is one of five Lions tourists in the Welsh starting side. Has the arduous task of matching Richie McCaw at the breakdown, an area Wales must win if they are to end their shocking run against the All Blacks.

Paul James
Despite Wales' problems at tighthead prop, it was still a surprise to hear James' name called for Sunday's test. The Ospreys prop won his only previous cap six years ago against Romania and has limited experience in the No 3 shirt for his club. Faces a big step up against the All Blacks but would fancy his chances against the inexperienced Crockett rather than the world class Woodcock.

- NZ HERALD STAFF