Publications
Partners
Wellington - Wales are determined to keep
pace with the All Blacks for 80 minutes after learning harsh lessons about the
world champions' steamroller abilities late in a match, skills coach Neil
Jenkins said on Friday.
The tourists led New Zealand for 62 minutes
in the first Test in Auckland, only to lose 39-21 as Steve Hansen's
thoroughbreds romped home.
The same scenario unfolded in Cardiff in
2014, when they were up 16-15 in the last 10 minutes before New Zealand's
three-try blitz made it 34-16.
Jenkins said Wales could not allow the same
to happen in the second Test in Wellington if they wanted to beat the All
Blacks for the first time in 63 years.
"We've got to keep with the pace with
them guys, not just for 60. It's got to be 80 minutes, it's that simple,"
he said, warning blowouts "can happen very quickly against New
Zealand".
Jenkins said Wales had showed they could
play a running game similar to New Zealand's but also needed to emulate the
hosts' potency off the bench.
He said impact players such as Beauden
Barrett and Ardie Savea gave New Zealand fresh momentum when they came on late
in a match.
"It's not a game for 15 players any
more is it?" he said.
"It's the match day 23, so no matter
who comes on, they have to front up and perform and make a big impact as the
All Black boys did last week."
Jenkins, who earned 87 caps in the Welsh
backline, dismissed concerns fullback Rhys Patchell may be out of his depth in
only his third Test after a late call-up to the squad.
"Patch is an exciting talent, he likes
to play with ball in hand. He's obviously got a pretty good kicking game as
well," he said.
"The most important thing we can tell him is go out and enjoy yourself. You're playing against the best side in the world. There's no better place to test your skills."
