Wayne Pivac’s side begin their autumn campaign at a sold-out Principality Stadium for what is a mouthwatering clash Welsh supporters can’t wait for.
Plumtree acknowledged Ian Foster’s southern hemisphere giants would be looking to improve on their last Rugby Championship game which was a narrow defeat by South Africa.
New Zealand hammered USA 104-14 last Saturday.
“We know we’ve got to make sure we fix up some of those areas where we let ourselves down in that second Test against the Boks,” Plumtree said.
“In fairness, there were a couple of those areas in the first Test that were not flash as well.
“The two Tests against the Boks were excellent for us, particularly around the physicality of what they brought and we understand we’ll probably get a bit of that at the weekend as well.”
Can’t wait to be back in this arena 🔥 pic.twitter.com/bQ8hVE7bZf
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) October 27, 2021
Plumtree and backs coach Brad Mooar have experience coaching in Wales, Plumtree 20 years ago and Mooar with the Scarlets before taking up his All Blacks position last year.
“The psyche of the Welsh boys is they will be really up for this game – they’ll be excited about it,” Plumtree added.
“They know it will be a pretty good challenge.
“They will be very motivated and what you can expect is that every individual will play above their usual level. That will make them pretty tough.
“If you watch the Welsh play, they are a patient side. They build a lot of pressure through carrying the ball off nine particularly and they’ll be patient with their kicking game as well.
“They use that to gain territory. So, if it’s a little wet at the stadium and the roof is open, it could be a slug-fight potentially on a soft ground.”
Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones during training
If you watch the Welsh play, they are a patient side. They build a lot of pressure through carrying the ball off nine particularly and they’ll be patient with their kicking game as well
Plumtree continued: “Tactically we’ll have to be very smart and take our opportunities when we do get territory because we know they’ll be working hard defensively and they’ll be looking to build pressure with that ball.
“Every game we play against Wales has always been a tough task. A couple of the leaders have talked to the boys who haven’t been here before about the challenge.
“Wales are a side that you’ve got to be very patient with. You’ve got to punch away and you’ve got to work very hard for a victory. We haven’t read too much into the players they haven’t got available.
“In my time as a coach, when three or four players aren’t available, there are another three or four who come in that always want to give their very best.
“That can make life tougher. We understand the challenge and we are preparing for a real tough one.”
The only All Black not to be considered to face Wales will be tighthead prop Angus Ta’avao after he dislocated his elbow at training on Tuesday.
Wales are a side that you’ve got to be very patient with. You’ve got to punch away and you’ve got to work very hard for a victory. We haven’t read too much into the players they haven’t got available
