Wales will struggle in New Zealand - Christian Cullen

Former All Blacks fullback Christian Cullen believes Wales will face an uphill task during the Test series against New Zealand which begins on 11th June.

In the 30 games between the two teams, Wales have managed to win just three while they are yet to register a victory against the All Blacks in New Zealand.

New Zealand team will be without their legendary captain Richie McCaw and World Rugby Player of the Year Dan Carter while their powerful centre combination of Conrad Smith and Ma'a Nonu have moved to France.

Despite, missing out on the star players for the series against Wales, Cullen believes the All Blacks will be superior to Warren Gatland's men in all the facets of the game.

"I can't see Wales living with the tempo the All Blacks will play at, which is a lot different to what they are used to playing up north, not to mention the skill level and intensity," Cullen wrote in his column in the Herald on Sunday.

"They're going to be too quick and too clever. I watched their game against England and didn't see a lot there that will trouble the All Blacks. I think they will put 15 or 20 points on Wales.

"It's often said the All Blacks are more vulnerable in their opening Test of the year because it takes time to get the team playing in the right way. But I don't see it this year.

"There's no doubt the All Blacks will miss players such as McCaw, Nonu, Smith and Carter, but I actually think it's the fact they aren't there that they will perform right from the outset this year."

Former Australian World Cup winner Matt Burke also echoed Cullen's words and is confident of New Zealand winning the three-match series convincingly.

"This New Zealand team will wipe the floor with Wales - that's a given. And they could go on again in 2016.

“You can't replace the likes of Carter, Nonu or McCaw because they played their own style of games, but the new boys will come in and could even bring something better."

However, Wales coach Gatland is confident of his team's chances in the upcoming tour and believes if they can execute their plan to perfection, they can exert pressure on the All Blacks.

"From a scoreboard position, we don't feel like there's too much disparity. We've just got to go out there, start well, play well and stay in the fight.

"We know how dangerous they are but they're like any team, if you put them under pressure there (can be) a small hint of vulnerability there."