Head coach Warren Gatland has made 11 changes to his side for the meeting with the South Sea Islanders, with 19-year-old Dragons wing Hallam Amos winning his first international cap on the left wing.
Amos has progressed quickly this season and is joined in the match day squad to face Tonga by fellow youngsters Jordan and Rhodri Williams. All three were key men for Wales Under 20 last season, guiding their country to the Junior World Championship final in Nantes in June, defeating South Africa along the way.
This season, scrum half Rhodri Williams and full back Jordan Williams have progressed to the senior set up at the Scarlets while Amos has continued to impress at Rodney Parade. With all three set to win their first international caps on Friday night, McBryde is looking forward to seeing what they can do 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,” said McBryde.
“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 benefitting 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.”
On the selection of Jordan Williams, who starts among the replacements after receiving a late call up to the Wales squad, McBryde added: “Everybody is aware of Jordan’s attacking threat from the Junior World Championship and dancing down the touchline with the Scarlets. If he gets an opportunity I’m sure he’ll take it.”
While Wales have given an opportunity to some younger players, they won’t be short of experience either. Leigh Halfpenny, George North and James Hook are familiar faces in the back line with Ian Evans, Luke Charteris and Andrew Coombs returning up front. Ryan Jones leads Wales for the 33rd time.
“There is a fair bit of experience amongst the changes,” said forwards coach 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.”
Skipper Jones added: “Tonga are going to be hard, physical and uncompromising but with no disrespect, this weekend is about us and getting our preparation right.”
