Tom Shanklin, who scored a record-equalling four tries from midfield in Wales 66-7 victory over Romania last Friday, has been switched out wide to replace Rhys Williams, who is ill.

As a result, Sonny Parker slots into outside centre alongside his Neath-Swansea team-mate Gavin Henson while on the opposite wing, Shane Williams returns for Hal Luscombe.

The only other change sees lock Brent Cockbain return to the pack after Luke Charteris was ruled out with a toe injury.

His partner in the second row will be Gareth Llewellyn, who will win his 92nd cap 15 years after making his debut in Cardiff against the All Blacks.

As ever the rationale is first and foremost to select a team, and in particular combinations within the team, that can be effective against the current opposition, said Ruddock.

We are delighted to have Shane, Brent and Sonny available after injury and we believe we have selected the best side from the players available.

Its also good to have Ryan Jones back in the 22 as there is no doubt he could offer us a big ball-carrying presence if required from the bench.

I will be encouraging this team to play in a similar manner to the last two matches in which we attempted to play with tempo and continuity to the fore.

Wales have not beaten New Zealand in 51 years and while the All Blacks have made a number of changes, they arrive in Cardiff on the back of a comfortable win over Italy with players in prime form.

The task ahead is a massive one. New Zealand are such a talented and extremely well-coached team, they have matchwinners throughout their side and exceptional pace, said Ruddock.

Dan Carter (the All Blacks fly-half) was extremely impressive in the Italy game last week, as was Richie McCaw and we know all about the power of their pack and their explosive back three.

It is one mighty challenge to take on the All Blacks, particularly given our record over the last 50 years, but we have to aim high. We will be doing our utmost to win the game even though we start as the underdogs  Wales have not beaten New Zealand since 1953.

My challenge to my players is to put themselves in the history books this Saturday.

Wales team to play New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff on Saturday:

G Thomas (Toulouse, capt); T Shanklin (Cardiff), S Parker (Neath-Swansea), G Henson (Neath-Swansea), S Williams (Neath-Swansea); Stephen Jones (Clermont Auvergne), D Peel (Llanelli); G Jenkins (Cardiff), M Davies (Neath-Swansea), A Jones (Neath-Swansea), B Cockbain (Neath-Swansea), G Llewellyn (Narbonne), Dafydd Jones (Llanelli), C Charvis (Newcastle), M Owen (Newport Gwent).

Replacements: Steven Jones (Newport Gwent), Duncan Jones (Neath-Swansea), R Jones (Neath-Swansea), M Williams (Cardiff), G Cooper (Newport Gwent), C Sweeney (Newport Gwent), R Williams (Cardiff).