Cardiff 'demons' await All Blacks

Wales coach Gatland is relishing the Test against his countrymen

Wales coach Warren Gatland says that New Zealand could be haunted by their World Cup exit in Cardiff.

The All Blacks play Wales on Saturday in a Millennium Stadium they have not visited since their 20-18 quarter-final loss to France in October 2007.

New Zealand had been hot favourites but were undone by a superb Les Bleus show.

"The last time they were here the All Blacks lost, they're in the same changing rooms that they were here last time," Gatland said.

All Blacks coach Graham Henry and assistant Steve Hansen are both former Wales coaches and know what it is like to lose at the Millennium Stadium.

"It's the same changing rooms that the two coaches have had not the greatest time in as well, as coaches when they were coaching Wales in the latter period," said Gatland, who is the third Kiwi to coach Wales.

Wales have really grown since I first played against them in 2003 All Blacks fly-half Dan Carter

"So perhaps there's a few demons that might come back to haunt the coaches and the All Blacks that were here last year."

Henry, who enjoyed a three-and-a-half year stint as Wales coach from 1998-2002, with tongue firmly in cheek, said: "Of course we've got demons here."

But he added: "I have very fond memories of this stadium. It's the best stadium in the world and it's just great to play here. We'll just get on with it."

Dan Carter is one of eight players who will start against Wales on Saturday that were involved in the World Cup humbling the last time out in Cardiff.

But the All Blacks fly-half is confident there will be no Millennium hangover.

"Being back in Cardiff doesn't bring back sore memories or anything like that," he said.

"Obviously it was tough last year but I have some very fond memories of the stadium. It's good to be back.

"It was tough at the time but the people in New Zealand were supportive. I went on holiday for a month to Europe and parts of the world which weren't about rugby.

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"In that time I just got a chance to get away from rugby, and by the time January came around I was refreshed and ready for another big season.

"But we know we are facing probably the toughest game of our tour this weekend. We will need to be at the top of our game.

"I rate Wales very highly. They were the best team in the Six Nations this year, and they are playing rugby full of confidence.

"They were unlucky to go down against South Africa a couple of weeks ago - they had their opportunities.

"They have really grown since I first played against them in 2003. A lot of players are still involved, and they've got real leadership and experience now."