Few expect Wales to trouble New Zealand in Cardiff on Saturday, but lock Dafydd Jenkins says belief remains high.
Wales suffered a record run of 10 straight defeats in Cardiff before edging Japan last weekend to remain 12th in the world rankings.
While bookmakers and pundits have written them off this week, Jenkins says the squad simply doesn’t operate with that mindset.
“You wouldn’t be a pro athlete if you didn’t think that you are going to win games,” the Exeter forward said. “I was trying to explain that to some mates who are not in the circle and they couldn’t get their heads around that.”
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Wales may be huge underdogs, but Jenkins says confidence only grows as kick-off approaches.
“The closer to the game you get, the more confident you get. It’s a weird feeling, then you run out at Principality Stadium and feel that you are invincible.”
The All Blacks arrive wounded after a 33-19 defeat to England, but still ranked No 2 in the world. Jenkins is under no illusions about the scale of the task.
“I grew up watching the 2011 to 2015 team, who were the best in the world, and you put them on a pedestal,” he admitted. “You definitely have that respect for them, but we are looking forward to giving it a crack. It’s a huge opportunity to cause a real upset.”
With Wales having not beaten New Zealand since 1953, the 22-year-old knows everything must align.
“It’s a game of rugby and anything can happen, but New Zealand are a quality team and you’re not going to beat them unless you are 100% on your game. Switch off for a second and you will be under your sticks.”
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And with the All Blacks stung by last week’s loss, Jenkins expects them to come firing.
“Coming off losing to England, they are going to be ramped up. We know that, but it’s exciting – we’ve got nothing to lose.”
Both teams will be named on Thursday.
Photo: Ian MacNicol/Getty Images
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