NZ 'honest cheats', claims Gough

Gough says Wales must stand up to the New Zealand forwards

Wales lock Ian Gough has turned up the heat before Saturday's Test with New Zealand by accusing them of cheating.

"The All Blacks get away with a lot and I am not going to slate them for it," said 30-year-old Gough.

"If the referee cannot pick it up you have to take your hat off to them. They do it better than anyone else.

"They are honest cheaters, aren't they? We have to hope the referee picks it up against us and we have got to do things to stop them cheating."

New Zealand have arrived in Wales for their final match on their European tour following three impressive victories against England and France (twice).

One of the most striking features of those wins has been the physicality and aggression of the All Blacks forwards in the tackle and breakdown areas.

They are world number ones and every Welshman would want to see us putting a win over them - we've got that opportunity Wales lock Ian Gough

Gough knows a competitive performance at the rucks will be key to any Welsh hopes of securing a first win in 53 years over world rugby's dominant force.

But it is a challenge the Dragons man is relishing, and he stressed the Wales forwards will not be overawed by the task in hand in Cardiff.

"New Zealand are really good in the tackle area now and it'll be my job to get around the field to combat that - like it is in every game," said Gough, set to retain his place in the Wales side despite Brent Cockbain's availability after suspension.

"We'll look at all areas we can attack and work our game plan around that.

"They've got superb forwards so it's a matter of us picking up the little bits that we can."

"Whenever you play the world number one, it's as big as it gets so it's a massive challenge," Gough added.

"There will be big pressure. Whoever you play of the top teams, you know you're going to be under pressure.

"But we're in our stadium, they are coming to us and we want to win. I'd love to win against them - wouldn't everyone else?

"They are world number ones and every Welshman would want to see us putting a win over them - we've got that opportunity."

*Wales' team to face New Zealand is due to named on Wednesday, 22 November.

Listen to BBC Radio Wales and Radio Cymru for live coverage, watch here for details and reaction.

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Wales squad for the November Tests:

Backs: K Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), L Byrne (Ospreys), M Jones (Llanelli Scarlets), S Williams (Ospreys), Gareth Thomas (Toulouse), H Luscombe (Harlequins), T Shanklin (Cardiff Blues), S Parker (Ospreys), G Evans (Llanelli Scarlets), C Sweeney (Newport Gwent Dragons), G Henson (Ospreys), J Hook (Ospreys), S Jones (Llanelli Scarlets, capt), D Peel (Llanelli Scarlets), M Phillips (Cardiff Blues), G Cooper (Newport Gwent Dragons).

Forwards: G Jenkins (Cardiff Blues), A Jones (Ospreys), D Jones (Ospreys), C Horsman (Worcester), R Thomas (Cardiff Blues), H Bennett (Ospreys), M Rees (Llanelli Scarlets), B Cockbain (Ospreys), I Gough (Newport Gwent Dragons), I Evans (Ospreys), A Wyn Jones (Ospreys), M Williams (Cardiff Blues), Gavin Thomas (Llanelli Scarlets), J Thomas (Ospreys), A Popham (Llanelli Scarlets), R Jones (Ospreys), M Owen (Newport Gwent Dragons).