Gatland: We don’t fear All Blacks

WALES coach Warren Gatland believes teams no longer fear taking on the All Blacks. His hopes of victory were raised yesterday after New Zealand’s captain Kieran Read was ruled out of tomorrow’s Test in Cardiff with a back injury. The talismanic skipper, a double World Cup winner with 109 caps, is replaced at No 8 by Luke Whitelock, brother of new captain Sam. Luke, 26, has played just one Test. ‘With the All Blacks having been the best team in the world consistently, you almost have that fear factor about playing them,’ said Gatland. ‘But having played against a number of those players on a regular basis, you just feel a bit more comfortable. ‘My guys have prepared well this week. They seem calm and not so nervous and uptight as they may have been in the past. ‘I think that’s the experienced players like Alun Wyn Jones, Ken Owens and Taulupe Faletau having had that experience of playing against the All Blacks.’ Kiwi commentators were quick to criticise New Zealand after their frantic 22-17 win over Scotland last weekend. But Gatland thinks that result will only strengthen their resolve. ‘I don’t think the All Blacks are ever vulnerable,’ he added. ‘They are more dangerous on Saturday than they ever will be.’ Meanwhile, Ireland centre Robbie Henshaw will miss his side’s game against Argentina with a suspected hamstring injury. Chris Farrell takes over. Leinster wing Adam Byrne will make his debut.