Sam Cane has warned Wales that New Zealand plan to finish their 2017 programme on a high after being below par against Scotland.
The All Blacks survived a late scare to beat Scotland 22-17 on Saturday and remain unbeaten on their end-of-year European tour.
Cane admitted New Zealand almost paid the price for their complacency at Murrayfield, but promised that it would not happen again in Cardiff on Saturday.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 18, 2017
"Saturday was a reminder that every team we are up against is going out there to play the game of their lives and we need to be at a really high standard," Cane said.
"We turned up and maybe our attitude was just a fraction off against Scotland.
"It does not take much and we will be making sure this week we are exactly where we need to be.
"Sometimes you can gauge if the attitude is not quite there, get a feel for it.
— All Blacks (@AllBlacks) November 19, 2017
"In terms of a leadership spot, even if you feel it and say something to get it back on track, it is often too late."
New Zealand's visit to the Principality Stadium marks the end of a busy year for the All Blacks.
This will be the 16th game of 2017 for Steve Hansen's side, with New Zealand so far having won 12, drawn one and lost two.
"We are really keen to finish the season on the right note," Cane said.
"It would be awesome to sit in the sheds on Saturday and feel really proud about how we went.
"The prep and the build-up is to go out there and win little battles, all the little things that make a big difference.
"You have to build that through the week because it is pretty tough to just turn up and flick a switch.
"It was yes and no whether we did that last week, there were a couple of guys who thought 'not sure.'"
New Zealand head coach Hansen has refused to be drawn on his rivalry with Wales counterpart Warren Gatland after the pair crossed swords on the British and Irish Lions' tour last summer.
But Cane said the focus on the two coaches would not affect the All Blacks' build-up.
"Steve is one of the most competitive people I have come up against," Cane said.
"I do not think it matters who we are playing. I have not got any inkling from him he is treating it any differently to a normal Test.
"He is really keen we enjoy our last week as a team and finish with a bang."