'It's been a long week': All Blacks embrace new edge to end 'brutal tour'

All Blacks captain Scott Barrett says Saturday’s Test against Wales can’t come soon enough, as his team look to move on from a disappointing loss to England at Allianz Stadium, Twickenham.

The captain fronted the media on Friday, the eve of New Zealand’s final Test of the season, facing questions over how seriously his side is taking the threat of Wales, given the mass changes to the matchday 23, and about the response to last weekend’s loss in camp.

Barrett is one of just two All Blacks selected in the same jersey he wore against England, while eight players are in line to get their first minutes of the Quilter Nations Series in the contest.

“The boys are raring to go, actually,” he said. “It’s been a long week after a result like that at Twickenham, and we can’t wait to get back out there and put that performance behind us, and finish the Northern Tour strong.”

With Wales sliding to 12th on the world rankings, there’s undoubtedly a clear favourite in the matchup, something that Barrett acknowledged before highlighting the danger of underestimating his opponents.

“It’s easy; everyone’s telling us that, and the last thing we want to do is turn up tomorrow and get smacked in the face by a Wales team that would desperately love to beat us.

“So, we’ve prepared accordingly, given them the utmost respect, and what a place to play our last Test match of the year.”

Addressing the selection overhaul for the Test, Barrett framed the changes as bringing a mental edge to the game, with various motivating factors for all players involved.

“I think there are guys who have had limited opportunities, and there are guys who probably have a bit of a thorn in their side from last week’s performance. So I think that combination is what’s ultimately going to put out a performance that we can be proud of.”

Barrett had full faith that the newcomers to the playing group would take the opportunity with both hands, and said the week’s training was designed to address any lack of cohesion in new combinations.

“I don’t think it’s our worst team or our second team. It has been a pretty brutal tour, playing Ireland, then a physical encounter up in Edinburgh at Murrayfield, and another bruising one at Twickenham.

“So, I think the guys stepping in, one, have been given an opportunity, and two, will bring plenty of energy to the occasion tomorrow night.

“I think it’s exactly what we need to finish the tour strong. The coaches have made those selections, ultimately, to get the job done.”