Eddie Butler believes that Wales will just fall short in their attempt to break their long winless streak against the All Blacks in The Guardian.
"I'm not sure how much more build-up to Saturday's Tests can be taken. The Kiwi press is having a go at Wales for talking a big fight before the bell sounds and the tone of blogland is even more irascible than usual. The digital revolution has opened up boundless opportunities for a slanging match.
"Take, for example, poor little Leigh Halfpenny, who has been fingered by the New Zealanders as part of the Welsh propaganda machine that has declared the end of All Black invincibility. The insult has been paraded before the NZ public: Shock and aura, the All Blacks can be beaten, says baby-faced Welsh farthing.
"Well, there's the little player, willingly answering questions as he always does – because that's the way he is and on his media training course they told him to be as sincere as possible – and very softly suggesting that if Wales are to have a chance they have to overcome their own doubts about playing against their tormentors. A history going back 56 years can weigh heavy on young shoulders, but, he genuinely believes, the group is growing stronger and they have to believe in themselves."
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