But Halfpenny and company need to walk the walk on Saturday following a demoralising run of 20 successive defeats that has seen New Zealand amass almost 700 points at Wales’ expense.

There were occasions when it was close - 13-12 in 1978 and 26-25 in 2004 - yet Welsh rugby history is also littered with the wreckage of some fearful maulings by rampant All Blacks teams.

During a miserable spell between 1988 and 1997, Wales played New Zealand five times, losing 52-3, 54-9, 34-9 (twice) and 42-7, scoring just two tries in the process.

It is that overwhelming statistical history which points to the All Blacks making it business as usual when their well-oiled machine rolls into the Millennium Stadium this weekend.

Wales though, gained considerable belief from their showing a year ago when they led New Zealand 9-6 at half-time before an irresistible All Blacks power-play saw them score 20 unanswered points.

And Halfpenny, who won just his third cap that November afternoon, insists the lessons learnt have not been forgotten.

“I think the time where players were in awe of them has gone. It’s definitely about us and not them this year,” he said.

“We have moved on as a team. Before, we would be playing the All Blacks and trying to keep the score down.

“Last year, we got confidence out of it that we had them on the ropes until half-time.

“We didn’t manage to play in the second-half then, but we have learnt from that and we are confident.

“From last season, we have definitely gained belief that they are not invincible.

“Every game you play you learn from, and we definitely learned from that experience. We have to have the belief now that we can go out and play for the full 80 minutes and get a result.”