A resurgent Wales can make the most of a 21-point advantage at 4-5 on Bet365’s handicap market when they take on the All Blacks in Cardiff on Saturday.
Wales have enjoyed a thoroughly successful time in the autumn internationals, drawing 29-29 with a strong Australian side before readily winning less demanding assignments against the Pacific Islanders and Canada.
Indeed, such is the depth of talent they have at their disposal these days that Gareth Jenkins, the head coach, has selected Sonny Parker in front of Gavin Henson and James Hook to start at inside centre.
That suggests Jenkins is expecting a serious physical battle through the middle, and that he may be prepared to sacrifice some attacking flair for the combative Parker. Even so, Wales still have plenty of creativity at their disposal, and will pose an attacking threat to the All Blacks.
The All Blacks are taking the match so seriously that they will start with a full-strength side, including flanker and captain Richie McCaw, and fly-half Daniel Carter, generally regarded as the top two players in the world. They have been in sensational form, beating England 41-20 before twice defeating France, but this is a fourth demanding international in as many weeks.
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It may be tempting fate to say that they could be feeling the effects of a tough programme, but if they fall at all short of top performance then Wales could be able to reduce the gap between the sides, even if they cannot close it all together.
That 21-point start looks appealing, but for those optimists who feel no advantage will be required 8-1 is generally avaliable. Only money-buyers will look twice at the All Blacks, even at PremierBet’s top-priced offer of 1-10 - Betdirect are 1-20.