Wales youngster Tavis Knoyle said that he was honoured to make a fleeting debut against the All Blacks.
Young scrum-half delighted with debut
Wales youngster Tavis Knoyle spoke of the honour of representing his country after making an unlikely debut against the All Blacks.
The 20-year-old was thrown into the deep end when starting scrum-half Mike Phillips was switched to centre after Andrew Bishop was forced off injured.
It was later revealed Bishop suffered a broken hand, ruling him out of the second Test with New Zealand on Saturday.
However, Jonathan Davies is set to step in at centre for the second Test, with Phillips continuing at scrum-half and Knoyle unlikely to be handed a full debut.
But the Scarlets player was delighted with the six minutes of playing time he has been given.
"It's an honour to come on and represent your country," Knoyle said.
"When you come on you want to give your best and it's difficult in those circumstances.
Experience
"But it's a great, great experience and you want more of it. You come on and you think it's not as bad as you expect it to feel when you're waiting.
"You get on and you're out there ready. I was ready for it and just waiting to take on the challenge."
Knoyle said that he did not let himself become overwhelmed by the occasion and stayed focused on the basics.
He added: "I was thinking of the game and trying to concentrate really.
"I was looking at what Mike was doing and watching where he was standing to make sure I got in the right position.
"It was just a check-list really - making sure I knew the calls, going through the calls in my head. The atmosphere was great but I wanted to come on and do my best."
Wales fly-half Stephen Jones remains a doubt for the second Test after injuring his thumb during the 42-9 defeat in Carisbrook.
A scan revealed that the veteran had escaped a fracture but soft tissue damage could yet rule him out.
