Wales relishing All Blacks challenge, says centre Davies

JONATHAN Davies says that Wales are “relishing the excitement of the challenge” as they prepare to tackle New Zealand in Cardiff.

Wales launch their Autumn Nations Series campaign on Saturday against a country they have not beaten since 1953.

It is a run of 31 successive defeats, including 16 at home, and Wales’ task has not been helped by injuries and unavailability.

With the game falling outside World Rugby’s autumn international window, the reigning Six Nations champions will be without Englandbased players like Dan Biggar, Taulupe Faletau and Louis ReesZammit because they are not released by their clubs.

A number of key personnel are absent through injuries, with British and Irish Lions stars such as George North, Josh Navidi and Justin Tipuric all sidelined.

“Everyone talks about the record of the last 50 or 60 years against New Zealand,” Wales centre Davies said at the Autumn Nations Series official media launch.

“But it is a great way for us to start our autumn series. I think it is the excitement of the challenge. It’s a tough task, but I think the boys are focused and we’ve had two good weeks of preparation.

“We are focused on getting a performance and accuracy on the pitch to hopefully gain a good result, which would be a great way to start this autumn.”

For the first time since they met Six Nations opponents France in February last year, Wales will play in front a capacity 70,000-plus crowd at the Principality Stadium.

Davies added: “It is an exciting prospect having a full Principality Stadium. It’s something the boys are relishing. I think it is one of the reasons why we all play the game. The bus trip in from the hotel to the stadium and seeing the streets full of Welsh supporters is amazing.”