Wyn Jones relishes Welsh chance to ‘create history’ as All Blacks come to Cardiff
Alun Wyn Jones says it is "an opportunity to create history" when Wales make their latest attempt to halt New Zealand's relentless run of success against them.
The All Blacks' assignment this afternoon – in front of more than 70,000 at the Principality Stadium – sees them chasing a 32nd successive victory over Wales. They last lost in the fixture 68 years ago, and 25 of those wins were by at least 10 points.
Jones, who wins his 149th Wales cap this weekend and overtakes New Zealand World Cup-winning skipper Richie M cc aw' s mark for one country, leads a team minus numerous key players because of injuries and unavailability.
The 20-strong list of absentees includes 10 British and Irish Lions, which underlines the enormous challenge that Wales face.
"Before anyone asks, I am aware of the history record," Jones said. "All that has gone before us is always there – you can't change that – but it is an opportunity to create history.
"It is not going to be easy, and they [New Zealand] probably want to continue their history on that side.
"What they have achieved and the individuals who have worn that jersey, you are up against not just a team, but a backlog of quality and players and games, and that is what is coming on Saturday.
"The hoodoo and the record has got to go at some point, but what I have said is that we need a performance.
"Dare I say it, who is the pressure on? Is it us? Is it New Zealand? i don't know. it depends on the neutral as to their opinion.
"We just need to focus on the rugby, and I think that comes back to the messaging we' ve had from wayne[ wales head coach Wayne Pivac] and the us, get our completion sin and our execution, and we will be where we want to be, irrelevant of the result."
One factor firmly in Wales' favour will be a bumper crowd, the first time they will have played in front of such an attendance at home since hosting France during last year's Guinness Six Nations.
"As a squad and playing group, we are definitely relishing the opportunity to experience what we have missed for a long time, and some may never have experienced,” he said.