WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) Wales rugby coach Warren Gatland said his team could have a rare opportunity to capture its first test match against New Zealand in 63 years later this month as it will be taking on a new-look All-Blacks team playing its first series with fresh combinations after the retirement of some of its biggest stars.
New Zealand-born Gatland told a news conference Friday that the coming series would be tough ''but we're not here just to make up the numbers, and we're not here to start the rebuilding phase of New Zealand rugby either.''
The retirements of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu mean New Zealand will have a new-look midfield and the loss of captain Richie McCaw after a world record 148 test caps costs the team both leadership and experience.
