All Blacks: Wales talk up atonement

Stephen Jones, right, is confident actions will speak louder than words against the Grand Slam-chasing All Blacks. Photo / Getty Images

Senior Wales players have met privately to plot their recovery from their much criticised draw against Fiji - and now first five-eighth Stephen Jones is confident actions will speak louder than words against the Grand Slam-chasing All Blacks on Sunday (NZT).

Jones, who holds the unenviable test rugby record of losing each of his 13 matches against New Zealand, the most by any individual against one opponent, was optimistic after fellow-veterans mulled over their stalemate with the Pacific Islanders.

Instigated by new captain Matthew Rees - who was appointed by head coach Warren Gatland moments after the New Zealander demoted Ryan Jones in the Millennium Stadium dressing room last Friday - Stephen Jones said the meeting would be beneficial as Wales strive for their first win over New Zealand since 1953.

"We've been open and honest with ourselves," he said, refusing to divulge details of the crisis talks.

"We've looked at reasons why we didn't perform to the standard we would have liked and we'll try and address those issues."

Jones said the criticism directed at the players by Gatland and the wider rugby community was understandable and they were keen to make amends and sabotage the All Blacks quest for a fourth Grand Slam.

"We are fully aware that when we put on that jersey it is a massive responsibility, and when you don't perform the public are entitled to criticise us," he said.

"Obviously we were disappointed with our performance. We know we can play a lot better than that. We have belief in our ability."

The manner of Gatland's stripping Ryan Jones of the captaincy has caused disquiet among former players; the Welsh playmaker followed a diplomatic game plan when asked if the popular loose forward's axing had been divisive.

"Obviously the coach is entitled to make his own decisions whether it be the captaincy or selection," he said, adding: "Ryan will make sure he gets his own house in order and we respect him as a player and as a person."

Meanwhile, Stephen Jones admitted there was nothing secretive about how to curb an All Black side that beat Wales 42-9 and 29-10 in New Zealand in June.

"We know how efficient they are at the contact area and that is the area we have to make sure we are in control of.

"You can't afford to turn the ball over because we know how efficient they are against an unstructured defence."

Multiple changes are inevitable from the side that flopped against Fiji when Gatland names his team tomorrow.

On a positive note for the embattled former Waikato coach British and Irish Lions prop Gethin Jenkins could be back from a calf injury. Loose forwards Andy Powell and Sam Warburton are also reportedly on the mend.

- NZPA