SHAUN Edwards has rubbished the notion that Wales have nothing to lose when they go up against world champions New Zealand on Saturday – claiming the fear of a drubbing is keeping them focused.

The bookies have already priced the All Blacks as 1/14 favourites for the Test at the Millennium Stadium while few expect Wales to run them close given their autumn form.

Argentina and Samoa have already triumphed in Cardiff and it would be a rugby miracle if Wales are not attempting to avoid a whitewash when Australia head to town on December 1.

New Zealand will be looking to extend their unbeaten run to 20 Tests and have crossed the whitewash 11 times while crushing Scotland and Italy.

Wales have scored just one try – Ashley Beck’s interception against Samoa – while their line have been breached five times.

The form guide means that unlike in the first two Tests of the series Wales are freed from the shackles of expectation.

But that doesn’t mean the heat is off them according to defence coach Edwards – the fear of humiliation is more than enough to ensure standards are high.

"For the players the pressure is on because we know that if we don’t perform we could get embarrassed against the All Blacks," he said.

"If you are slow into position, don’t keep your defensive structure or give them too much possession then you are going to get punished.

"That keeps you on your toes, there’s no doubt about that."