BBC pundit Jeremy Guscott on how Wales can beat New Zealand In pictures

The Welsh are the All Blacks' first opponents as the tourists bid for a grand slam against the home nations.

Thomas said: "We'll be better prepared as a team than we were as a Lions squad going out to New Zealand.

"And I think in the end they'll find this grand slam tour a lot harder than they found the Lions tour."

Thomas insisted the fact New Zealand were no longer "playing in their own back yard" would give Wales an advantage over the Lions.

Ruddock promises attacking thrill Wales turn to scrum-half Phillips All Blacks leave McCaw on bench

"Added to that, the Lions is different and, while Wales have not had ideal preparations, we've had preparations over the last 18 months with most of the same players."

Thomas played in all three of the Lions Test defeats and also captained the tourists after Brian O'Driscoll's injury ruled him out.

He will lead Wales out at the Millennium Stadium this weekend but insisted his team had no fear facing the world's number-one ranked side.

"I don't think we fear any opponent," he said. "I think we respect opponents and I think New Zealand have the respect of every rugby player in the world and rightly so."

Wales coach Mike Ruddock has already promised his side will play the sort of high tempo, attacking rugby which won them the Six Nations Grand Slam last season.

Zinzan Brooke column: "I think New Zealand can do the grand slam"

But fly-half Stephen Jones, who like Thomas plays his club rugby in France, does not believe that will be the key to any potential Welsh success.

"Because we came second in the contact area in the summer, we just couldn't play and it allowed New Zealand's defence to get on the front foot," said Jones, who was also part of the Lions Test side.

Have Your Say Can Wales beat the All Blacks?

"Then when they were going forward in the tackle it guaranteed them quick ball which made our life very difficult.

"My opinion is that if we want to do well in this game, then the contact area is key because New Zealand are just awesome in that area.

"If we don't get numbers to the breakdown, we'll get turned over straight away."