The clash with the Pacific Islanders at Auckland’s famous stadium is set to provide a steep learning curve for some of the country’s best young talent. Steffan Evans, Seb Davies and Thomas Young will all start the game and make their international bows.
McBryde, who has a further six uncapped players among his replacements, believes they are ready.
“We have come here to get two wins from two games. This is not a development tour and we have selected a strong team,” he said.
“It’s the next step for someone like Steff Evans. The regional coaches just see him getting better and better. Thomas Young has had numerous man of the match awards in the Aviva Premiership and it’s a chance for him to try and repeat that on the international stage.
“Seb Davies has responded really well in training. There is a void to be filled at second row because of players being unavailable with the Lions and he gets his chance on Friday. The enthusiasm the youngsters have brought in training has been outstanding and we’re looking forward to the game.”
Ryan Elias, Wyn Jones, Dillon Lewis, Ollie Griffiths, Aled Davies and Owen Williams are Wales’ new faces on the bench, but it’s the selection of Davies which is the most surprising.
The giant lock has made just a hanful of appearances for Cardiff Blues, but his hulking frame and ball handling ability have won him a fan in McBryde.
He said: “Seb has come through the age grades at international level and I’ve watched him there especially for the Under-20’s. Geraint Lewis highlighted Seb as somebody who he thought had the ability to cover the whole back five, to do the Ryan Jones type role of being able to slip from the back row to the second row.
“We have tried a number of players in that role with limited success. We did some tests at the National Centre of Excellence during the Six Nations. Seb’s figures and results really stood up very well against every other lock.
“It just makes you think, what else has this player got?”
Davies partners Cory Hill at lock against Tonga, but McBryde has no doubts he will cope.
“If you look at the frame Seb carries with him, he’s 115kgs, he’s athletic, and he’s quick,” said the Welsh tour boss. “I just think he’s a good natural footballer and he’s got size as well.
“He does certain things that stand out. His offloading ability out of the tackle is something that doesn’t come naturally to a lot of players. It does to Seb.
“His handling skills are just natural, he’s comfortable under the high ball, and he provides great delivery from line-out. He just ticked all the boxes and I felt it was a good opportunity to give to somebody like him. There are a number of players missing from that lock area, whether it’s down to Lions commitments or injuries.
“So there really is a void to be filled in the second row. We are fortunate we have got two or three good youngsters in that area and they are going to be given the opportunity on this tour.
“Seb has responded really well in training and he is having his chance on Friday and I’m really looking forward to seeing him play. He showed glimpses of what he can do against RGC and hopefully he can do that again.”
