It might be the game nobody wants to play but Wales and New Zealand will battle it out for third place in the Rugby World Cup on Friday in Tokyo.

Semi-final defeats against South Africa and England for Wales and the All Blacks means it has been a sombre and reflective final week for both sides in Japan.

There are also some battered and bruised bodies with Wales making nine changes because of a five-day turnaround which includes a World Cup debut for late call-up Owen Lane.

New Zealand, strong favourites with the bookmakers, also have seven personnel alterations with All Blacks captain Kieran Read playing his final Test match.

It will prove an evening of fond farewells with coaches Steve Hansen and Warren Gatland stepping down from their respective roles.

There are a few things at stake with Wales looking to emulate their highest ever finish of third achieved in 1987, not a concern shared by the three-times winners New Zealand.

Wales are also aiming to break their 66-year hoodoo against New Zealand with Gatland hoping to complete a clean sweep of victories against tier one nations during his 12-year reign as Wales head coach.

History is not on his side though. Gatland was not even born when Wales last defeated New Zealand in 1953.

Since his tenure began in December 2007, Wales won the Six Nations Championship on four occasions, securing the Grand Slam in 2008, 2012 and 2019. In the same period Wales have lost all 11 Tests against his native New Zealand.

That is a stark statistic Gatland would love to change in his final hurrah.

The teams

Wales: Amos; Lane, J Davies, Watkin, Adams; Patchell, T Williams; N Smith, Owens, D Lewis, Beard, Alun Wyn Jones (capt), Tipuric, J Davies, Moriarty.

Replacements: Dee, Carre, W Jones, Ball, Shingler, G Davies, Biggar, Parkes.

New Zealand: B Barrett; B Smith, Crotty, SB Williams, Ioane; Mo'unga; A Smith; Moody, Coles, Laulala, Retallick, S Barrett, Frizell, Cane, Read (capt).

Replacements: Coltman, Moli, Ta'avao, Tuipulotu, Todd, Webber, Lienert-Brown, J Barrett.

Referee: Wayne Barnes; Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper (South Africa), Pascal Gaüzère (France); TMO: Marius Jonker (South Africa).

What they said

Wales head coach Warren Gatland: "We have had a couple of days where we needed to reflect on last weekend and then get excited about Friday.

"We are disappointed not to be in the final but have the chance to create a little bit of history against the All Blacks. It has been a long time, 66 years, not to beat a side. We have had success against every other nation. The All Blacks have been that elusive team we have not been able to conquer.

"There is something at stake - a lot of pride - and a victory for us would be special.

"There is no doubt Steve will leave a legacy behind in terms of what he's achieved as an All Black coach. It's outstanding and he'll be a big loss."

New Zealand head coach Steve Hansen: "Some people externally may be saying there's nothing on the match but it's an important test match for a number of reasons.

"We've just come off a loss. It's Wales and we've got a history with them that we need to keep feeding. We've got a legacy and a responsibility to that legacy.

"Warren's done a great job. Wales had had adversity but he came in and has moulded them. He brought good staff with him and built a team that's become very, very competitive. They were number one before the World Cup which speaks for itself.

"Wales like to play an arm wrestle. They like to kick the ball, put you under pressure and they love the ball to stay in play because they think they're the fittest side in the world at that arm wrestle, physical game, That's been Warren's style for a long time.

"They like a scrap and they've been successful doing that. The South Africa game would probably be the first time they haven't come out on top with this tactic."

Match stats