SIX NATIONS winners Wales are looking to end 68 years of Blackout against a New Zealand side they haven’t beaten since 1953.
New Zealand visit after winning the Rugby Championship in what should be an intriguing clash between the Northern and Southern Hemisphere champions – but Wayne Pivac is facing a selection crisis before the match.
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It also marks the Wales head coach first match against his home country since taking the job two years ago.
A match against the All Blacks is a tough test at the best of times, but this time around Pivac is missing an incredible 20 players.
As the fixture is taking place outside the international window, players based in England have been released.
That means the likes of Dan Biggar, Louis Rees-Zammit and Taulupe Faletau head a long injury list.
Wales have not beaten New Zealand since 1953, but prop Tomas Francis said the fixture’s one-sided head-to-head stats are not playing on the Dragons’ players’ minds.
He commented: “No, I don’t think so. People used to say that about Australia and then we beat them twice, so I don’t think there is a hoodoo over it.
“New Zealand are a very tough team.
“You have to perform to the best of your ability to be in the game.
“You always want to challenge yourself against the best and New Zealand have always been up there since I was a kid as the best team.”
What time does Wales vs New Zealand rugby kick off?
- Wales vs New Zealand takes place on Saturday, October 30.
- The match kicks off at 5.15pm UK time – 5.15am in New Zealand.
- It takes place at the Principality Stadium.
Is Wales vs New Zealand rugby on TV and can I live stream it?
- Wales vs New Zealand is not on TV in the UK.
- However, it is available to watch on Amazon Prime Video.
- Amazon Prime Video is available for £7.99/month.
Can I watch Wales vs New Zealand rugby for free?
Team news
Wales are facing an availability crisis with seven of their English-based players unable to play as the fixture sits outside the official international test window.
That means the likes of star winger Louis Rees-Zammit and Dan Biggar are out.
And with Willis Halaholo out because of Covid, it leaves Wayne Pivac with plenty to be concerned about.
Liam Williams is another major absentee after he had an appendix operation earlier this month.
Gareth Anscombe is back at outside half, two years after a he ruptured knee ligaments.
Alun Wyn Jones is in line for his 149th Wales cap, which will break Richie McCaw’s world record of 148, but if you factor in his 12 Lions test caps, he has long since beaten the mark.
Latest odds
- Wales 13/1
- Draw 90/1
- New Zealand 1/25
*Odds from Betfair correct as of Friday, October 29