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All Blacks 'not the fearsome team we're used to' - ex-Wales captain says NZ far from their best

November 21, 2017

The All Blacks will meet Gatland's Wales side next week.

The current All Blacks side are not the force to be reckoned with that they once were, former Wales captain Gwyn Jones has said.

Ahead of this week's Test between New Zealand and Wales in Cardiff, the former captain has spoken about the supposed gap between the All Blacks and the rest of the rugby playing world closing in 2017.

At times this year, the All Blacks have looked far from their free-flowing best, having to grind out tough wins away to the likes of Argentina, France and Scotland - something Jones says can play into Wales' hands in Cardiff.

 "The All Blacks, if you look at the last 12 months, have lost three matches, they've drawn one, South Africa came within a point, and Scotland came within a pass (of victory)," Jones told the BBC.

"They're not the fearsome team we're used to seeing come over here and beat us.

"They're not the All Blacks who dismantle teams by 30 points and walk through a game," Jones said.

However, Jones went on to say that despite their supposed woes, the All Blacks are still in the box seat for victory on Sunday morning.

"They're still a fantastic team who play wonderful rugby and they'll be favourites because they are the best team on the planet."

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