The All Blacks are in transition and appear vulnerable after a long, hard year but Wales have yet to show they can marry ambition with poise
Warren Gatland talked about weight this week after picking a three-quarter line that is more heady than heavy but will it be enough to end the wait for victory over New Zealand? The last time Wales defeated the All Blacks was 1953, the year of the coronation of the Queen, who this week became the world’s oldest head of state.
Only one of the Wales team from that day 64 years ago is alive, Courtney Meredith. One of the New Zealand second rows that December afternoon, Nelson Dalzell, the heaviest player in the New Zealand squad at 16st, is the grandfather of two of the All Blacks’ pack who will take the field on Saturday, the second-row and captain, Sam Whitelock, and his brother, Luke.
Related: Damian McKenzie: the diminutive full-back making a big impact with All Blacks
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