Warburton: Left low by Samoa loss on Friday

Wales captain Warburton's unwavering faith in his players will be dismissed as blind loyalty by many followers of a Wales team that has suffered five successive Test defeats.

New Zealand, meanwhile, arrived in Cardiff on Sunday on the back of a 19-game unbeaten run and they will defend a 24-match winning sequence against Wales that stretches back almost 60 years.

It represents the tallest of tall orders for Wales, and it would shred world's rugby current formbook if they succeed.

The All Blacks will unquestionably head into next month's 2015 World Cup draw as number one seeds. In contrast, Wales are clinging on to a top-eight spot following damaging home losses against Argentina and Samoa.

The RBS 6 Nations title holders have not lost six games on the bounce since current All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen was in charge of them 10 years ago.

Another New Zealander, current Wales boss Warren Gatland, returns to the hot-seat this week after a spell of British and Irish Lions business preparing for next summer's Australia tour.

And apart from addressing his squad's alarming form slump, Gatland will need to assess an escalating injury list that now includes Ospreys pair Richard Hibbard and Dan Biggar following the Samoa setback.

"I guess there is no pressure on us now because nobody will expect anything next Saturday," Warburton said.

"We are going to see who turns up on the day. That is sport, that is why there are underdogs, and underdogs can beat the favourites.

"If it was very predictable, nobody would watch it. There is every chance we can win next Saturday - I definitely believe that.

"You have to believe that in every game you go into, but whether people think that is realistic or not is up to them. But I have approached every game believing we can win it.

"If I was a fan in the stand, I would be gutted that Wales had lost their last five games, and the players are exactly the same. We want Wales to do well as much as anybody else, so the players will feel that."

Warburton is set to become the 19th different Wales skipper since 1953 to lead his country against New Zealand. All 18 predecessors failed in their victory missions.

"Players in the side are not going to forget the way we played back at the World Cup, in the Six Nations last season and in the summer (against Australia)," he added.

"That doesn't just go with a flick of the fingers. It is still the same players - it's not as if it is a new squad or we've brought new guys in.

"We have to remember the way we played not too long ago, and then do it again.

"We are just going through a rough patch at the moment, but I am more than confident it will come back. As long as we stay positive we can pull it out of the bag.

"Since I have been involved in the starting team, the last 18 months, this has been the toughest time, really.

"It's been five Tests on the bounce now we have lost - Australia (three times), Argentina and Samoa. I haven't experienced that before.

"It is unusual, and it will be a test now for the boys to see who the tough ones are. We will front-up at training on Monday determined to get it right. I am sure everybody will have the same mindset and we will all be on the same page.

"It's easy when you win, and this is a test for a lot of the players and a lot of the leaders of the squad to make sure we put things right. We are all in this together.

"I think the players are letting ourselves down. It is something we will all analyse together, and it's the same when you are doing well and winning games.

"As long as we keep our spirits high, I am sure we will come through it quite quickly."