Wales can stun All Blacks - lock Jenkins

Dafydd Jenkins captained Wales in the 2024 Six Nations

Autumn Nations Series: Wales v New Zealand

Venue: Principality Stadium, Cardiff Date: Saturday, 22 November Kick-off: 15:10 GMT

Coverage: Commentary on BBC Sounds, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru and live text on BBC Sport online.

Few are giving Wales a chance against New Zealand on Saturday afternoon in Cardiff, but Dafydd Jenkins insists belief is no problem in the squad.

Steve Tandy's side are huge underdogs for the third autumn Test at Principality Stadium, even if there is some grumbling on the other side of the world.

The All Blacks are smarting after being beaten 33-19 by England, a comprehensive defeat that came after they got out of jail against Scotland and Ireland.

In such circumstances Wales squads from the first Warren Gatland era would have had to cope with great expectations of ending the wait for a win against New Zealand that goes back to 1953.

Instead, the hope from supporters is that Tandy's side keep things respectable after they burgled a 24-23 win against Japan to end a 10-Test losing streak in Cardiff.

It is a different story at Wales' training base with Jenkins insisting they believe they can be the side that finally turns over the All Blacks for the first time in almost 72 years.

"You wouldn't be a pro athlete if you didn't think that you are going to win games," said the Exeter lock.

"I was trying to explain that to some mates who are not in the circle and they couldn't get their heads around that.

"The closer to the game you get, the more confident you get. It's a weird feeling, then you run out at Principality Stadium and feel that you are invincible."

Dafydd Jenkins made his Wales debut in the 2022 autumn series

New Zealand might be under pressure, but they are still ranked second in the world and were only pipped to the Rugby Championship title by South Africa on points difference.

Plenty of supposedly non-vintage All Blacks sides have come to Cardiff amid chat of "lost aura" only to go on to ease to victory.

"I grew up watching the 2011 to 2015 team, who were the best in the world, and you put them on a pedestal," said Jenkins, who is set to face New Zealand for the first time.

"You definitely have that respect for them, but we are looking forward to giving it a crack, it's a huge opportunity to cause a real upset.

"It's a game of rugby and anything can happen, but New Zealand are a quality team and you are not going to beat them unless you are 100% on your game. Switch off for a second and you will be under your sticks.

"Coming off losing to England, they are going to be ramped up. We know that, but it's exciting and we have got nothing to lose."

Both teams are set to be named on Thursday,