Mercurial Welsh rugby winger Shane Williams is braced for an aerial bombardment from Dan Carter, but warns their speedy back three can do some damage to the All Blacks' defence tomorrow.
The 2008 International Rugby Board player of the year will form the last line of Welsh defence with 20-year-old
winger Leigh Halfpenny and stand-in fullback James Hook, who covers for the injured Lee Byrne.
Williams is convinced Carter and the All Blacks will target them under the Millennium Stadium roof.
"It's inevitable the kicking attack is going to come. Dan Carter is one of the world's best kickers. I'm sure he will target that area," Williams told the South Wales Echo.
But he hinted at an attack-at-all-costs approach from the trio if the All Blacks weren't on the mark.
"I like to think the back three get a free licence to roam from the Wales management. If we can get the three to work I'm sure we can cause the All Blacks some damage."
The battle at the back offers some intriguing matchups, with Halfpenny renewing his battle with his New Zealand under-20 rival Zac Guildford, and flyer Williams marking Cory Jane for the first time after Jane's two excellent test showings against the Wallabies.
Williams, 32, is yet to taste victory against the All Blacks for Wales or the Lions, and was part of the 29-9 defeat here a year ago after they led at halftime.
While he wasn't sharing coach Warren Gatland's bullishness, he reflected a quiet confidence among the home side who look to end a 56-year, 20-test losing streak against the All Blacks.
"With so many Welsh boys in the Lions squad we can take a lot from that [a 2-1 series defeat in South Africa] ... we came back and watched the Springboks dominate the Tri-Nations so we know New Zealand are not unbeatable.
"And we need every little thing we can take against a side like the All Blacks."
A year ago Wales and the All Blacks stared each other down for several tense minutes after the haka, when neither team wanted to walk away first.
Williams didn't rule out any more haka tactics from the hosts and admitted they hoped to recapture the electric atmosphere of last year.
"It was great for the supporters and, at the time, it was great for the players. It was the longest two minutes of my life and pretty scary. It was all about respect and we still have the utmost respect for New Zealand."
- NZPA
Shane Williams wouldn't be drawn on how Wales will respond to the haka. Photo / Getty Images
Mercurial Welsh rugby winger Shane Williams is braced for an aerial bombardment from Dan Carter, but warns their speedy back three can do some damage to the All Blacks' defence tomorrow.
The 2008 International Rugby Board player of the year will form the last line of Welsh defence with 20-year-old
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