By Paul
November 2 2005

Saturday 16th December 1905, the invincible All Blacks rolled into Cardiff on the back of twenty-seven straight victories, what followed as they say is history. Built in the midsts of legend, the tourists were denied a last gasp score and Wales claimed an upset of the epic variety.

In a similar ilk of form, the All Blacks once more close enough to the scene of what is commonly noted as an injustice towards them. Bob Deans scored "try that wasn't".

There is little like a Wales All Blacks clash to stir the blood and evoke emotions that run deep in the soul of nations where rugby is so interlinked with their psyche.

But then again the past means little to either side, both have laid significant demons to rest over, since changes in regime either side have seen an upturn in fortunes.

Grand Slam champions v Tri Nations champions, yet in truth the difference in expectation and preparation could not be any different.

Woodwards' Lions tour put pay to any utopian best of Hemisphere scenario, well theoretically anyway. Any feel good feeling from a Welsh perspective was killed in the land of the silver cloud. The physiological scars have also been equaled by the physical ones.

How do Wales compensate in the absence of nearly half aside, when consistency has played such a key role in Mike Ruddock's selection thus far, but the signs are not too ominous. Those stepping into the breach are experienced campaigners, only Mike Phillips of the starters could be deemed untried in higher pressure matches.

Ceri Sweeney does however face potentially the biggest examination of his credentials at inside centre, he has yet to convince at regional level in a struggling side. He needs a level head if he is to match the ease at which he slotted into the role on tour in North America.

If anything Colin Charvis has produced some of his best displays for Wales at openside, and if that doesn't work out the more than capable Sowden-Taylor is ready and waiting on the bench. Jonathan Thomas is a big match players, against Stade Francais for the Ospreys, his work rate was immense.

Ruddock is right to take heart from the fact his side are in a winning streak, and in such can enter a match against New Zealand full of confidence, something that has not happened for quite a long time. Only one pointed and a matter of inches sepearted either side last time.

There is no point dwelling on absentees, injuries are an inevitability especially in Lions years. Wales have developed a much stronger base of international players, as much as it is about the hear and now, the 2007 World cup is not too far away.

But saying that I want Wales to go in with all guns blazing against a side, who too put it politely are owed one.