Get the latest Welsh rugby news sent straight to your inbox Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The teams have been named, the final preparations are being made, and soon we will find out just how Wales measure up to the best side in the world.

Warren Gatland's starting XV boasts 764 caps between them, significantly more than New Zealand's 580. Whether that counts for anything remains to be seen and there's no doubt the home team start as overwhelming favourites.

But are Wales that far behind?

Here, rugby correspondent Andy Howell rates the two starting XVs out of 10.

Ben Smith 9 v Liam Williams 7

All Blacks vice-captain Smith is one of the best players in the world. He’s not the biggest but beats people and is deceptively strong while Williams still has much to prove against top opposition at Test level.

Waisake Naholo 8 v Hallam Amos 7

Both are exciting prospects with the footballing skills of Amos up against the pace and power of Fiji-born Naholo, who has been brimming with form and confidence during this year’s Super Rugby tournament.

(Image: Hannah Peters/Getty Images)

Malakai Fekitoa 8 v Jonathan Davies 8

This has the makings of a gripping duel with Fekitoa an exciting attacker who loves to put in the big tackle. But he can be caught out of position in defence and the experienced Davies is not to be underestimated.

Ryan Crotty 6 v Jamie Roberts 8

Let’s face facts, Crotty is no Ma’a Nonu and is filling the No.12 jersey until somebody else is ready. Roberts gets plenty of stick because he’s usually a one-trick pony but he can by extremely effective at what he does.

Julian Savea 8 v George North 8

Savea lit up the World Cup by destroying France but benefited from facing a defence that got out of his way. Been quiet in Super Rugby and, like North, has points to prove. Will either of them explode into life?

Aaron Cruden 8 v Dan Biggar 8

Biggar is brave, reliable, is a master of the kick, chase and catch and is a superb goal-kicker. Cruden’s stats aiming for goal are poor but he’s an experienced international and can light up the All Blacks attack.

Aaron Smith 9 v Rhys Webb 8

This should be a contest to savour with livewire Smith the best scrum-half in the world but Webb not being too far behind and wanting to overtake him in the pecking order. They are both players who make things happen.

Joe Moody 8 v Samson Lee 7

New Zealand will attempt to turn the screw against Lee and a suspect Welsh scrum and Moody is immensely strong. He returned from the World Cup with a winners’ medal after being summoned to England as a replacement.

Dane Coles 9 v Ken Owens 7

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

When ‘Cannonball’ Ken is hot he’s hot and he’ll need to be because Coles is the best broken-field hooker in the world, possessing strength, speed, the ability to break tackles and an enviable try-scoring record.

Owen Franks 8 v Gethin Jenkins 8

This is a match-up between Wales’ veteran record cap-holder Jenkins and renowned trainer Franks. Tony Woodcock is the only prop who has made more starts for the All Blacks. Jenkins is better in the loose but the scrum could be an issue.

Luke Romano 6 v Bradley Davies 7

Lock is a problem area for New Zealand if they have injuries and the absence of the accomplished Sam Whitelock with hamstring trouble is a blow Wales will hope to exploit through big Brad.

Brodie Retallick 9 v Alun Wyn Jones 8

Former world player of the year Retallick never stops working but Wales will hope he’s been distracted by becoming a father last week. It’s tremendous servant Jones’ 100th cap for Wales and he will want to celebrate it in style.

Jerome Kaino 8 v Ross Moriarty 7

Kaino was born in American Samoa and is 33 but the All Blacks have retained his experience and defensive qualities. Twice a World Cup winner, he will be looking to give Wales young gun Moriarty a harsh rugby lesson.

Kieran Read 8 v Taulupe Faletau 9

Read is another ex-world player of the year and has been entrusted with the captaincy of New Zealand following the retirement of Richie McCaw. Not quite been the force of the past this year and is up against another top No.8.

Sam Cane 7 v Sam Warburton 8

Skipper Warburton hasn’t played since April 30 because of a shoulder injury but it’s vital he returns with a bang because Wales need to control the breakdown. Cane has been groomed to replace McCaw but many believe Ardie Savea would be a better option.

(Image: Huw Evans Picture Agency)

Total

New Zealand 119

Wales 115