All Blacks v Wales - Key Areas

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Stuff.co.nz's Toby Robson runs through four key areas for the All Blacks-Wales test from Cardiff.

MIDFIELD DEFENCE

In Jamie Roberts and Tom Shanklin, Wales have a midfield of real quality. Roberts is big and showed against South Africa he can break the line and offload in the tackle, while Shanklin is one of 10 Welsh survivors from the 2003 World Cup. Dan Carter, Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will have to make their tackles or the Welsh could get behind the All Blacks, and have the finishers to make it count.

SCRUM

Wales have plumped for unknown Paul James to anchor their scrum and the All Blacks are sure to go for the jugular. Neemia Tialata has the task of nullifying the powerful Gethin Jenkins, but it will be Canterbury's Wyatt Crocket whom the All Blacks will need to disrupt the Welsh set piece by taking it to their rookie tighthead.

PRESSURE

If Wales are out of this match after half an hour they have no hope. The All Blacks will look to crush their confidence in the first quarter and take the wind out of the Millennium Stadium crowd's sails. In Dan Carter, they have the man for the job. If they can't, the acid will go on and Wales will become more powerful by the minute as they chase history with the words of coach Warren Gatland ringing in their ears.

PACE

For all the talk about the Welsh backs, it is this area where the All Blacks will fancy their chances of finding and exploiting space. Zac Guildford is primed to step on to the international stage while, on the other wing, Cory Jane is becoming a force at test level. Mils Muliaina has looked sharper at training this week and has thrived in Europe in the past. Once the forward packs have finished slugging each other into submission, expect the All Blacks to turn to their outsides to finish the job.

- © Fairfax NZ News