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Wales v New Zealand
Grand slam talk off All Blacks' agenda
PA Sport
November 20, 2008
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Coach Graham Henry's side are within reach of an historic Grand Slam
© Getty Images
New Zealand boss Graham Henry insists talk of a successful grand slam tour remains off the All Blacks radar. Only Wales and England stand between Henry's men and a European clean sweep following emphatic victories over Scotland and Ireland. Reigning Six Nations champions Wales are next up for New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday. The All Blacks have not lost to Wales since 1953, winning 19 successive Tests against them and scoring more than 650 points. Former Wales coach Henry though, is taking nothing for granted, even if the tourists are red-hot favourites to return home unbeaten. He said: "I know it's a cliche, but we take it one game at a time. We will talk about the grand slam after England, if it's a reality. We haven't talked about it. If things happen because we play decent rugby, then that is a bonus. It is a long season. We will have played 15 Test matches by the time we've finished, which is the largest number of Test matches an All Blacks side will have played in a calendar year." Henry expects "the kitchen sink" from Wales when they attempt to stop the Tri-Nations champions in their tracks. He added: "They are Six Nations champions this year, and that is a fine achievement. Wales have got good players across the pitch, that's why they won the Six Nations. They play with a wonderful attitude. Their forwards are good ball players, and they also defend well. They are a pretty complete package, really, and I am expecting the kitchen sink from them." Henry has made a solitary change from the team that toppled Ireland 22-3 last weekend, with centre Richard Kahui replacing Conrad Smith. Wellington star Smith was not considered for the Wales clash because of a groin injury. Prop Tony Woodcock's appearance before disciplinary chiefs in Dublin last night though, means Henry has been unable to finalise his front row. Hooker Keven Mealamu is a confirmed starter, but the props will be two from Woodcock, Neemia Tialata and John Afoa. Woodcock was cited for striking an opponent with his fist during the Croke Park clash. Henry, meanwhile, has dismissed any prospect of an All Blacks hangover, with his players returning to the Millennium Stadium for the first time since quarter-final opponents France destroyed their World Cup dream last year. He said: "I've been involved in a fair few games at the stadium - some good and some disappointing. It is one of the best stadiums in the world. The crowd is very vocal, and there is a huge atmosphere." © Scrum.com
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