KEY POINTS:
LIMERICK - Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland has reinstated the entire starting line-up that lost 15-20 to world champions South Africa on November 8 for Sunday's (6.15am NZT) test with the All Blacks at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
New Zealand-born Gatland made a dozen changes for Wales' second match
of their autumn programme - a 34-13 defeat of lowly Canada last Friday - but has returned to his top line-up as the Six Nations champions seek their first test win over New Zealand since 1953.
"In selection we have said `same again' to the side which took on South Africa in our opening match of the series. We were critical in-house of aspects of that performance a fortnight ago and that side now has a chance to respond to that criticism," he said.
Captain Ryan Jones again features on blindside flank, switching from his usual position of No 8 to accommodate the in-form Andy Powell.
Wing Leigh Halfpenny has resisted the challenge of fit again Mark Jones to keep his place for a third successive test. He will form a back three with in a back Lee Byrne and International Rugby Board player of the year nominee Shane Williams.
Tom Shanklin, a late call-up for the injured Gavin Henson against the Springboks, partners his Cardiff Blues teammate Jamie Roberts in the midfield while first five-eighth Stephen Jones aims to play on a winning side against the All Blacks for the first time in eight attempts.
In the pack, Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones pack down either side of hooker Matthew Rees while Alun-Wyn Jones and Ian Evans form the s econd row.
On the bench Gatland has made three confirmed changes from the squad who faced South Africa.
Prop John Yapp is rewarded for his man-of-the-match showing against Canada and lock Luke Charteris is also selected on form along with centre Andrew Bishop.
Gatland, a former All Black, was looking forward to the prospect of helping Wales record a rare victory over the world's No 1-ranked team.
"The coaches, the fans, the players and everyone involved in the game in Wales knows exactly how big a game this is for us," he said.
"The All Blacks are the team to beat in the world game, they are the yardstick by which every nation measures themselves and we are no different, but we are relishing the opportunity presented to us.
"I've often said that it is only by playing the best teams in the world that we can improve ourselves and we have a chance to show some big improvements on Saturday.
Meanwhile, James Hook had shown "signs of improvement" since a knee ligament strain forced his withdrawal against Canada. He has been bracketed on the bench with Dan Biggar as cover for first five-eighth and will play if he passes a fitness test closer to match day.
Wales
Lee Byrne, Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Gareth Cooper, Andy Powell, Martyn Williams, Ryan Jones (captain), Ian Evans, Alun-Wyn Jones, Gethin Jenkins, Matthew Rees, Adam Jones.
Reserves: Richard Hibbard, John Yapp, Luke Charteris, Dafydd Jones, Dwayne Peel, James Hook/Dan Biggar, Andrew Bishop.
- NZPA
