Wales are set to face new All Blacks centre pairing Malakai Fekitoa and Ryan Crotty when they tour New Zealand this summer.
All Blacks coach Steve Hansen has revealed he is planning to try out the new duo in June when Wales play the world champions in three Tests.
Wales hope to have Scott Williams fit again – the Scarlets centre could return this Saturday against the Newport Gwent Dragons – to challenge their own established midfield pairing of Jamie Roberts and Jonathan Davies.
With Ma’a Nonu and Conrad Smith both having opted to retire from international rugby, former Wales coach Hansen has acknowledged the side that faces Wales will have an experimental feel.
Hansen has told New Zealand media that replacing Nonu and Smith was a huge task. He said: “There’s no doubt they spent a lot of time together and gave us a powerful combination.
“It’s going to be difficult to find ready-made people but we still have Malakai and Ryan, both have been around a bit.
“Malakai has had plenty of opportunity to grow and mature and it’s going to be exciting to see how he goes now he’s going to be one of the top dogs.
“Every time Ryan Crotty has played for the All Blacks he’s been outstanding. He’s a player in the Conrad Smith mould. He’s not X-factor but he’s certainly reliable.”
Fekitoa, 23, is currently playing Super Rugby for the Highlanders, while 27-year-old Crotty is with the Crusaders.
Crotty has played 15 Tests since his debut in 2013, while Fekitoa, a member of the World Cup squad last year, has 13 Test appearances since 2014.
Hansen confirmed World Cup winner Sonny Bill Williams will not face Wales as he is involved in Olympic commitments with the All Blacks Sevens.
