All Blacks expect Wales onslaught

Steve Hansen expects Wales to throw everything at New Zealand in Saturday's Millennium Stadium clash.

Hansen, who coached Wales for 29 Tests between 2002 and 2004, is now part of the All Blacks coaching staff alongside another former Wales supremo in Graham Henry.

And Hansen readily recalls last year's fixture between the countries in Cardiff, when Wales led 9-6 at half-time before they were ultimately overpowered as New Zealand won by 20 points.

'I am sure the (Wales) players are excited about playing against the All Blacks,' said Hansen.

'They chucked everything at us last year - it was a tough game of footie. They've got a belief among themselves. They've won two (Six Nations) Grand Slams recently and there is a lot of experience.'

Hansen and company are playing a waiting game on Dan Carter's fitness for a game that will see New Zealand protecting a 56-year unbeaten record against Wales.

The fly-half superstar has been named to start, but his recovery in time from a calf muscle haematoma is far from certain.

Carter, who has scored 92 points in just five Tests at Wales' expense, suffered the injury during New Zealand's victory over Australia in Tokyo last weekend.

He has not trained fully this week, and Stephen Donald would step in if Carter fails to make it.

'We are managing him through the week and we are hopeful he will be right for Saturday,' said Henry.

'We will just keep on communicating and see how he is. If he is not right, Stephen Donald will play.'

Henry has made six changes from the side that defeated Australia 32-19 five days ago. Two of them are enforced due to suspensions, with 20-year-old debutant wing Zac Guildford replacing Sitiveni Sivivatu and Wyatt Crockett taking over from prop Tony Woodcock.

Elsewhere, scrum-half Brendon Leonard is preferred to Jimmy Cowan, while lock Jason Eaton replaces Tom Donnelly, flanker Jerome Kaino - a try-scorer against Wales last year - is in for Adam Thomson and Kieran Read earns a start at number eight.

'It is good to be back here again,' added Henry.

'We've selected a strong side and we are looking forward to the fixture. We need to know if all these players are up to international standard.

'We are using this game to address one or two of those question marks. It's a big game.

'We've got a policy for the tour. To enjoy the game and play well is one, and also to make sure 33 players on this tour get an opportunity to play.

'There is no disrespect to Wales - it's a very strong side. We picked a side to play against Australia, and we've picked a side to play against Wales.

'We are expecting another major challenge against the Welsh. They are a very strong side - we will have to be at the top of our game.'