McBryde backs youngsters to shine

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde expects the youngsters in the side to shine against Tonga at the Millenium Stadium on Friday.

Wales forwards coach Robin McBryde expects the youngsters in the side to shine against Tonga at the Millenium Stadium on Friday.

The youthful trio of winger Hallam Amos (Dragons), scrum-half Rhodri Williams and full-back Jordan Williams (both Scarlets) are set to make their Test debuts when the Pacific Islanders arrive in Cardiff.

And McBryde is keen to see what the group can produce at the highest level.

“It's a great opportunity for Hallam – he's playing alongside Leigh Halfpenny and George North and it's a case of him getting out there and showing what he can do,” McBryde told the WRU website.

“At regional level we've seen glimpses of that, he's a great runner with ball in hand. No doubt he'll be tested but that's international rugby and we're fortunate we've got experience in the side to help him along.

“It was the same last week with Cory Allen and Rhodri Jones coming into the team and benefiting from the individuals around them. I don't expect it to be any different for Hallam. He's undoubtedly got the potential, it's just about him delivering now. He's shown up well in training and I'm really looking forward to watching him.”

But while there will be youth aplenty at the Millenium Stadium come Friday, there will be more than a smattering of experience too.

James Hook, Luke Charteris and Andrew Coombs all feature, while Ryan Jones captains the side for the 33rd time.

“There is a fair bit of experience amongst the changes,” added McBryde.

“We're aware we need to rotate the squad between now and the World Cup to see how the players react to international rugby.

“We've got to be on our guard. Anyone who saw Tonga's game with France at the weekend knows how much of a threat they can be.”