ROBIN McBryde has challenged the Wales players ahead of today's clash against New Zealand, declaring: "It is an opportunity to make history.’’

Wales last beat the All Blacks 56 years ago, with repeated subsequent attempts often ending in abject failure.

But forwards coach McBryde delivered an upbeat message after Wales completed their preparations at the Millennium Stadium.

"It would mean everything to win,’’ he said. "It is an opportunity to make history.

"The players are well aware of what's on offer, which is to go out there and make a name for themselves and put an end to the poor record we've got against New Zealand.’’

Wales' overall record against New Zealand shows just three victories - in 1905, 1935 and 1953 - from 24 attempts, while the All Blacks have scored 722 points and 95 tries.

And those statistics underline just how tough a task Wales face this weekend.

Backs coach Rob Howley admitted: "As a Welshman when you play against New Zealand and England, in terms of probably not beating that opposition as often as we would have liked to, it gives you huge incentive and motivation.

"They (New Zealand) have had the better of us over the last so many decades and the boys are looking forward to a great opportunity.

"We are aware the All Blacks have scored 60-odd points in their last two games against a very good Australian side. We know what the All Blacks bring to the table.’’ Howley also gave short shrift to the phoney war that has been waged this week after the New Zealand media in particular reacted to Wales boss Warren Gatland's assertion that New Zealand might have lost some of their aura of invincibility.

"We want to try and give our players an edge and build our team up,’’ he added.

"We've solely concentrated on our performance, giving our players the best confidence boost we can, and how that is interpreted outside is entirely down to the All Blacks.

"Warren has got core values in terms of hard work and honesty. He has a huge amount of self-belief that has been conveyed to the players. He's a winner.

"He wants to win, whether it is a game of table tennis, pool, football or rugby. It's that self-belief which has been spoken about all week.’’