Henry expects tough Test and 'kitchen sink' from Wales

GRAHAM HENRY expects "the kitchen sink" from Wales on Saturday when they attempt to derail New Zealand's potential grand slam tour.

All Blacks boss Henry has made a solitary change from the team that toppled Ireland 22-3 last weekend, with centre Richard Kahui replacing Conrad Smith who has a groin injury.

Prop Tony Woodcock's appearance before disciplinary chiefs in Dublin tonight though, means Henry has been unable to finalise his frontrow. Hooker Keven Mealamu is a confirmed starter, but the props will be two from Woodcock, Neemia Tialata and John Afoa. Woodcock was cited for striking an opponent with his fist during the Croke Park clash.

New Zealand have beaten Wales 19 times in succession, boasting an unbeaten record against them since suffering a 13-8 defeat at Cardiff Arms Park 55 years ago.

The All Blacks have averaged more than 30 points a time during their long undefeated run, yet former Wales supremo Henry is taking nothing for granted.

He said: "I am expecting the kitchen sink from Wales. They are a proven side, and we are expecting a tough contest.

"They are Six Nations champions this year, and that is a fine achievement. Wales have got good players across the pitch, that's why they won the Six Nations. They play with a wonderful attitude."

New Zealand will go into battle as firm favourites, having seen off Scotland and Ireland during the past 11 days without conceding a try. It has left them halfway towards completing a successful grand slam tour, with Wales awaiting them on Saturday, followed by England at Twickenham seven days later.

But Henry insisted: "I know it's a cliche, but we take it one game at a time. We will talk about the grand slam after England, if it's a reality.

"It is a long season. We will have played 15 Test matches by the time we've finished, which is the largest number of Test matches an All Blacks side will have played in a year. I thought the guys played some good stuff against Ireland. We seemed to push on further."

And Henry has dismissed any prospect of an All Blacks hangover, with his players returning to the Millennium Stadium for the first time since quarter-final opponents France destroyed their World Cup dream last year.

"It is one of the best stadiums in the world. The crowd is very vocal, and there is a huge atmosphere."

NEW ZEALAND: M Muliaina; J Rokocoko, R Kahui, M Nonu, S Sivivatu; D Carter, J Cowan; T Woodcock/N Tialata/J Afoa, K Mealamu, T Woodcock/N Tialata/J Afoa, B Thorn, A Williams, J Kaino (capt), R McCaw (capt), R So'oialo. Replacements: C Flynn, tbc, A Boric, K Read, P Weepu, S Donald, I Toeava.