Wales have been told they are heading for a beating by the All Blacks who will keep it simple in next week’s first Test in Auckland.
Former New Zealand wing Jeff Wilson believes the tourists will be no more than a stepping stone from which the world champions will launch another successful season.
Since jetting out from the UK, Wales have spent three days preparing for next week’s opening match at Eden Park, where they will face an All Blacks side in transition.
But despite the loss of the vastly experienced Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith and Kevin Mealamu, Wilson says Wales will be brushed aside.
“This is a squad to beat Wales, win the Rugby Championship and go on the end of year tour and have great success,” said Wilson, who won 60 caps between 1993 and 2002.
“Although we have lost a lot of talent, there are players ready to step up and take their opportunity.
“The first Test of the year is always hard. It’s a tough one to prepare for, get ready and make sure you understand the game plan. I imagine things will be kept pretty simple for the Test in Auckland – particularly when considering there are a number of players new to the All Blacks environment in the squad.”
Wilson said he wasn’t surprised by any new selections the All Blacks have made due to the strong Super Rugby form of a number of players set to face Wales next week.
“They’ve gone for experience by bringing back players like Israel Dagg. Then they’ve looked to the future with guys like Liam Squire and Elliot Dixon who have both played so well over the past couple of years. The bottom line is the performance of players has been rewarded and they have put trust in players who have done the job before.
“I am not so worried about combinations. They have got two weeks preparation and time together which is longer than previous years. So they have a chance to iron out a few of those things.”
