Gatland: No-one who wants Wales to beat NZ more than me

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Welsh coach Warren Gatland has spoken of his desire to scuttle the All Blacks' hopes for a third-ever successful Grand Slam campaign.

Gatland played 17 matches for the All Blacks between 1988-91, but his loyalties now lie firmly with Wales.

And as he puts the finishing touches to Wales' preparations for Sunday's clash against the All Blacks at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium, the ex-Mooloo Man says his strong New Zealand links will be cast aside come game-time.

"Being a Kiwi, I'm proud of my history and my heritage," Gatland said.

"But there will be no-one who wants Wales to beat New Zealand more than I will on (Sunday).

"It would mean a huge amount, as much because of the time it has been since Wales last beat them.

"It is 55 years now and that is a long time.

"I have asked that question because there is no point hiding away from it. I have said to the players, 'Do you really believe we are capable of beating the All Blacks?'

"Because there is no point us taking the field if we don't think we can win.

"It is up to me to try and give the players some self-belief and confidence because history does not favour us at the moment.

"It's an exciting challenge. I have coached against Graham (Henry) in the past with Ireland and enjoyed some pretty good success.

"So it's not something I am daunted by going up against him. I find it a real challenge to see what we can do to hopefully put them under a bit of pressure.

"Graham has great experience as a coach and has been very successful in his own right. You can't deny their record, they have been very successful.

"They just come off a Tri Nations victory. So I don't think you can deny what they have achieved in the game."

Gatland's All Black career was restricted to mid-week and provincial matches, being Sean Fitzpatrick's back-up during his four-season stint in the All Blacks.

Sunday's test will be the second time he has coached another nation against his country of birth.

In late 2001 he was in charge of the Irish team beaten 40-29 by the All Blacks in Dublin.

He has passed on his knowledge of the inner workings of the All Black team, and some of the culture involved with being an All Black, to his Welsh charges.

"When you know what the All Black jersey means and the passion connected with it, it does give it that extra edge," Gatland said.

"I'm trying to give the players an understanding of New Zealand rugby.

"I gave them a bit of a history lesson on Monday about the haka and some tribal stuff, what it means to Kiwis.

"What you have to realise is the haka is a challenge.

"It is a warrior challenge asking you about your manliness and whether you are prepared to accept the challenge. It's important we respect that and we show we are here to hold our ground.

"So we have a couple of signs up in the barn urging people to hold their ground."

Sunday morning's clash sees the All Blacks return to Cardiff for the first time since their painful loss to France in the quarterfinal stages of last year's Rugby World Cup.

And as the All Blacks look to rekindle their winning ways in Cardiff, Gatland said his side's hopes rested with an impassioned and emphatic start on the scoreboard.

"The thing with the All Blacks is from World Cup to World Cup they are the best team in the world and rarely get tested," he said.

"When they are in front and have got confidence, no-one can touch them.

"But when they are under a bit of pressure and the test match gets into an arm lock that is when you begin to see cracks.

"So if you want to beat them you have to get them into an arm wrestle and expose those cracks."