New Zealand coach Graham Henry is refusing to accept that the All Blacks are overwhelming favourites to beat Wales in today's Test at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff.

This season the Southern Hemisphere champions whitewashed the British and Irish Lions and wrested the Tri-Nations title back from South Africa before arriving in Europe for a potential grand slam tour with a near full-strength squad.

In the 100 years of rugby between Wales and New Zealand, the Welsh triumphed three times in the four matches until 1953. Since then, they have lost 17 in a row - most of them one-sided thrashings. Add to the mixture a Wales team lacking six Lions and not many neutrals are backing Mike Ruddock's men to upset the odds today.

"I think it's going to be a great game, I don't know about favouritism," Henry said. "The Welsh have won their last eight games, haven't they? They're going to be a strong side and all their players bar one went to the last World Cup so I think they're going to be a pretty experienced side too."

Henry's captain Tana Umaga said he expected a Millennium Stadium packed with 74,500 fans under a closed roof would make it an interesting debut for New Zealand's new caps, flanker Chris Masoe and prop Neemia Tialata.

"It'll be full-voiced," said the centre, who was rested for New Zealand's 26-25 victory last November. "When we came here last year, the boys said it was deafening and difficult to hear the calls out there. We've got a couple of young guys in the side, so we've got to make sure they deal with it early on then get on with their business."

Umaga tried hard to emulate his coach's relaxed approach, but shifted forward in his seat when asked if the All Blacks might be apprehensive about the atmosphere for today's match.

"No, not at all," he responded. "It's something we want to embrace, the singing is something which is unique to this part of the world. It's something to look forward to . . . umm . . . we just want to get out there and amongst them really."