WALES will never have a better chance of ending their near 50-year barren spell against the All Blacks than at the Millennium Stadium today.

Since Wales' last moment of glory against New Zealand way back in 1953, the big rivals from opposite ends of the world have met 14 times - and the All Blacks have won the lot. But this is the first time they have been to Cardiff since 1989, and obviously it's their debut at the Millennium Stadium.

They will find the 72,500 crowd hemmed right in almost on top of them without any athletics track inbetween.

It could be a return to the old days with the vast army of fans aiming to sing Wales to victory, and, for the All Blacks, it will be about as intense as it gets.

On top of that, they will field five new caps and there will be ten players in all with just 15 caps between them.

In addition, there are eight players aged 23 or under, so it could just be that the All Blacks will be unnerved.

It is vital, therefore, that Wales make it as uncomfortable as possible for them right from the kick-off.

They have got to really pitch in, unsettle the All Blacks up front and hope for a couple of early Stephen Jones penalties to set them on their way.

The Llanelli outside-half has been in prime form with the boot, kicking 21 points against Fiji and going one better with 22 against Canada.

Wales will look to him for some early guidance and points as the forerunner to a famous victory. But the All Blacks may have something to say about that, whether this latest team is inexperienced or not.

Partly because of their formidable record against the men in red and partly because of Wales' dismal run for some time now, there is no great confidence in the Principality.

Though a Wales-New Zealand week is supposed to be something special, and invariably has been in the past, atmosphere and anticipation have been strangely lacking this time. That could be a reflection on low hopes, but there are other contributory factors like the almost unprecedented success of the Welsh football team.

But, come the day, the nation should be focused enough as Wales strive to end their hoodoo, though even then there is a cloud hanging over proceedings in the shape of that pitch.

Much has been made of the Millennium Stadium's surface this week, the All Blacks and their media gathering disbelieving about the stories conveyed to them by their Welsh counterparts.

The pitch will cut up early on, so it's going to be slippery from the outset which has alarmed some, like All Black speedster Doug Howlett.

And then there is Jonah Lomu. How can Wales possibly stop him?

England couldn't cope with him as the giant wing slammed over for two tries, though France were more successful.

Wales defence coach Clive Griffiths has said this week trying to halt Lomu is like attempting to stop a road traffic accident.

Somehow Wales have got to achieve just that and then stifle the All Black young guns who will be out to show the established players left at home that their World Cup places can't be guaranteed.

The All Blacks also have their own kicking machine in Andrew Mehrtens, set to overtake Neil Jenkins in the not-too-distant future and become the highest points scorer in Test history.

That means Wales have to be disciplined and have to control the set pieces, which means a vast improvement is needed from hooker Robin McBryde with his line-out throwing in.

Not least among the clashes will be off the field, with Wales coach Steve Hansen trying to put one over on his native country.

If the Welsh team can achieve parity up front, if they start well, if they can hold Lomu - it's all ifs.

Reality suggests that, young team or not, New Zealand will make it again and Wales will be left still some way down the world pecking order.