Sean Fitzpatrick has warned Wales the All Blacks will show little ring-rust when the teams meet in Auckland on Saturday.
The former New Zealand skipper believes any hope Wales have of catching the world champions cold in their first game of the year should be quickly dispelled.
The All Blacks have often looked vulnerable early in their season – even though they rarely lose – but despite the loss of lost vast experience with the retirement of key players, Fitzpatrick believes the new line-up will quickly find their rhythm.
“Traditionally, New Zealand have been slow starters, but I can’t see that happening this time,” said their former hooker and World Cup winner.
“I think Wales will have a proper crack at the All Blacks, they’ve said as much themselves, but it’s easier said than done.”
Fitzpatrick says the All Blacks will survive the loss of big players thanks to development driven by Steve Hansen.
But they host Wales in a three-Test series starting at Eden Park, still with a host of familiar faces named in Hansen’s match-day 23.
With the international retirement of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, and Ma’a Nonu among others last year, there was a line of thought that the All Blacks would be ripe for the taking in 2016, but the players who have replaced them have a wealth of international experience.
“It’s amazing how quickly New Zealand move on,” added Fitzpatrick. “The likes of Aaron Cruden, Malakai Fekitoa, Sam Cane and Kieran Read as captain all come into the fold and they bring with them new skills as well as Test experience.
“The fact that they have had some exposure at the top level already is a reflection on the work that Steve Hansen and his coaching staff have done to develop this team.
“With the exception of Seta Tamanivalu, most of those players have been in or around the All Black team for some time.
“It is a team of form players who look like they will kick on quite comfortably from the World Cup.”
McCaw was not just one of the best flankers in world rugby when he retired, but also arguably one of the greatest captains of the game.
Though Read will not have that experience to lean on this weekend, Fitzpatrick does not think the No.8 will have to adapt to the role as captain of the best side in the world.
“I think he will want to put his stamp on the leadership, but he doesn’t need to do much more than he’s doing.
“He’s had nine games as captain already but now he’s the big boss. He hasn’t got Richie there, which may be a good thing for him, maybe he can grow even more.
“He’s a good person and a good leader of men, and he’s the best No.8 in the world at the moment. You couldn’t ask for much more!
“Once again you have to give credit to Hansen, who identified his capabilities a number of years ago and gave him senior leadership roles within the squad.”