Scrum half Mike Phillips spoke exclusively to WRU TV on arrival in New Zealand and reveals why he is looking forward to taking on the All Blacks in their own back yard.

“This is a great place to come to play rugby and test yourself against the very best,” he said. “For me it is a chance to put down a marker and to see what I can do. I am determined to give of my best because the opportunity is massive and it is exciting for any rugby player.”

Wales arrived in New Zealand eight days before the first test in Dunedin to fully atune to the massive time change well ahead test match day.

Phillips added: “We’re already starting to train but one of the first priorities will be to watch the All Blacks take on Ireland. It’s a good opportunity to look at some of their attacking options and we will take full advantage of that.

“I came here to New Zealand with the U21 side in 2003 so I am delighted to be back here again. We’ve got a full week to prepare for the first test this time and that means we can get ready in the right way. We all want to give it everything we’ve got.”