Wales wait on injured duo

Wales lock Luke Charteris and winger Hal Luscombe are in doubt for the team's Test against New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Saturday because of injury.

The 21-year-old Charteris, who made his first start for Wales against Romania last week, injured his toe during the 66-7 victory against the Oaks, while Luscombe took a knock to his knee.

Wales coach Mike Ruddock is set to name the 22-man squad to face the All Blacks on Tuesday leaving the injured pair a little time to prove their fitness.

But it is unlikely Ruddock will make wholesale changes to the team that started against Romania. Although if Charteris is ruled out, Michael Owen is likely to move into the engine room from No.8, meaning Wales will need to re-shuffle their back row for Saturday.

Luscombe could be replaced by Shane Williams, who missed out on selection against Romania with injury, while his namesake, Rhys, is likely to keep his spot on the other wing.

Wales will need to produce a big effort against the Kiwis on Saturday with the visitors producing an ominous display against Italy on Saturday to hammer the Azzurri 59-11, but Wales assistant coach Scott Johnson does not feel his team have anything to fear.

"They were impressive, there's no doubt," said Johnson.

"The quality of rugby in the first 20 minutes as good as you'll ever see."

"We are not calling them the All Blacks this week. They are New Zealand.

"They are a scary bunch, and we have to go in there understanding that. We are respectful of that, but not fearful.

"Every time we play the big boys, we put the myth to bed that we cannot compete against them and then we start to become one of the big boys ourselves.

"It's great, because you want to play against the best and you want to see where you stand. If you are not able to do that, then take up croquet.

"There is a change in world rugby and the dominance of the southern hemisphere has eased. It's difficult games for both parties now. It's not all one way.

"That has really changed, and you will see the respect from the south for the north now."