WALES v NEW ZEALAND Venue: Millennium Stadium, Cardiff Date: 7 November Kick-off: 1715 GMT Coverage: Live on BBC TWO Wales, Radio Wales and Radio Cymru, plus commentary online
New Zealander Warren Gatland guided Wales to the 2008 Grand Slam
Wales coach Warren Gatland claims New Zealand have lost their aura as his team hope to end a 56-year losing streak against the All Blacks.
New Zealand have lost four of their last 10 games and face Wales next.
But Kiwi Gatland says the mighty All Blacks have not been as dominant since winning the first World Cup in 1987.
The Wales chief said: "If you lose a few games, it doesn't matter who you are, you become a little bit fallible and that aura just goes away."
The All Blacks have suffered three recent defeats to world champions South Africa and a loss to France.
Now Gatland is preparing his Wales side to add to his homeland's woes by ending a miserable Welsh run of not beating the All Blacks since 1953 when they face Graham Henry's side in Cardiff on Saturday.
Gatland, who inspired Wales to the 2008 Grand Slam, said: "I was lucky enough and privileged enough to be involved in an All Black era when the All Blacks were undefeated for 50-odd matches.
"When you put the jersey on you felt there was no chance of losing."
He added: "The fact the All Blacks haven't won the World Cup since 1987... there are many reasons.
"They are still well respected though, draw the biggest crowds, traditionally play the best rugby... they're not ranked number one in the world right now but more often than any other team they are ranked the best team in the world."
James' shock at Gatland's call
The closest Wales came to beating New Zealand in the last 56 years was in 2004 when they lost 26-25 and before that was 1978, a 13-12 defeat.
The famous All Blacks thrashed Wales in last year's showdown at the Millennium Stadium 29-9 winners, despite a solid first half display by the home side.
And Gatland admits it would be "a great achievement" to end 56 years of hurt, but Kiwi full back Mils Muliaina, who used to play under Gatland at National Provincial Championship side Waikato, thinks the comments are just a motivational ploy.
"You chuckle a little bit at it I suppose, but knowing his temperament and what he's preparing his boys for, I'm sure it will be used for motivation as well," said the 29-year-old.
"We know how tough it is to win here at the Millennium Stadium and take back to a few years ago, we only won by one. This week is no different and we know we are up for a big one.
"All the talking gets done on the field regardless of what happens during the week and who says what."
Wales starting XV v New Zealand: James Hook (Ospreys); Leigh Halfpenny, Tom Shanklin, Jamie Roberts (all Cardiff Blues), Shane Williams (Ospreys); Stephen Jones (Scarlets), Gareth Cooper; Gethin Jenkins (both Blues), Matthew Rees (Scarlets), Paul James, Alun-Wyn Jones (both Ospreys), Luke Charteris (Newport Gwent Dragons), Andy Powell, Martyn Williams (both Blues), Ryan Jones (Ospreys, capt). Replacements: Huw Bennett, Duncan Jones, Bradley Davies, Dafydd Jones, Martin Roberts, Jonathan Davies, Tom James.
Wales squad for autumn international series:
Backs: Dan Biggar James Hook, Shane Williams (Ospreys); Gareth Cooper, Jamie Roberts, Tom Shanklin, Tom James, Leigh Halfpenny (Blues); Martin Roberts, Stephen Jones, Jonathan Davies (Scarlets); Dwayne Peel (Sale).
Forwards: Paul James, Duncan Jones, Craig Mitchell, Huw Bennett, Alun Wyn Jones, Ryan Jones (capt), Jonathan Thomas (Ospreys); Gethin Jenkins, Bradley Davies, Andy Powell, Sam Warburton, Martyn Williams (Blues); Matthew Rees, Dafydd Jones (Scarlets); Luke Charteris, Dan Lydiate (Dragons).
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