Record won't deflect Dan Carter's grand plan

The Canterbury stand-off needs just three points to overtake Jonny Wilkinson's record of 1,178 as Test rugby's leading points accumulator, and is almost certain to do so against a Welsh side who the tourists are expected to see off with something to spare.

But the 28-year-old is more worried about helping the All Blacks secure a third clean sweep of Britain and Ireland in six seasons, even though he acknowledges he may feel a few nerves when his first kick arrives.

"I probably will be (a bit nervous]," he said. "But it's about putting the team first and doing my job to better for the team and win the Grand Slam. If we score four tries and I miss the kicks but we still win I will be happy, although actually I'd be pretty annoyed if I missed four kicks!"

Carter made his debut against the men in red in a 55-3 demolition in Hamilton in 2003 and he has gone on to gather 150 points in his eight appearances against them. That figure is put into context when you consider that, in those eight games, Wales as a team have only managed to amass a total of 81 points.

Carter, who says he will be fit to win his 79th cap on Saturday despite an ankle niggle, enjoys facing the Welsh. "I have got quite a few games against the Welsh boys and I love playing these guys," he said. "They are a really proud and passionate team and nation and it always a tough challenge."

Current successes have raised hopes that this current crop of players can end 24 years of longing and secure World Cup glory on home soil next year.

But Carter warns that the All Blacks are still some way from being the finished article. "We want to be number one and winning this game is part of that," he said. "The last thing you want is to go into the summer after losing and spend all summer thinking about that game."