Henry wary of Welsh threat (From Barry And District News)

Henry wary of Welsh threat

ALL Blacks coach Graham Henry believes the fact Wales have absolutely nothing to lose makes them a serious threat to end the Kiwis' 50 years of dominance over them on Saturday.

Despite that, he has stuck to the plan formulated before the tour started to play most of his squad in the first two games, and has made nine changes, with two new caps, from the team which hammered Italy last Saturday.

"I don't regard nine changes as wholesale," he said, refuting suggestions he was showing Wales disrespect.

"The nucleus of the side is there, led by new skipper and flanker Richie McCaw, and we believe we have fielded two strong sides."

He added: "Wales have made tremendous progress since giving us a big jolt in the World Cup (when the former Wales coach was not in charge). Before that match they had already qualified for the last eight so a big monkey had been lifted from their shoulders.

"They went on to give England the fright of their lives in the quarter-finals, scoring three tries to one, and were clearly the better side and should have won. They are in the same position on Saturday of having nothing to lose and will give us a massive game."

He went on: "This fixture is massive in world terms. It is between the only two countries where rugby is part of the fabric, part of the culture and the number one sport on which the nation's fortunes ebb and flow.

"When I first came here I was taken to places like Newport and Llanelli and told about when they beat the All Blacks so I know what it means."

And he said his players would enjoy a'rare experience' when they ran out at the Millennium Stadium. "It's the best rugby ground in the world and the indoor facilities we've used at UWIC are among the best.

"In New Zealand we believe we are the leaders of world rugby, but we are miles behind in terms of facilities.

"My team will find on Saturday, in front of 78,000 people close to the pitch, how passionate the Welsh are. The singing and support is probably the best anywhere in the world."