Wales touched down in New Zealand this morning and Gareth Anscombe is relishing the opportunity to lock horns with some familiar faces.
The Cardiff Blues fly-half grew up in the Land of the Long White Cloud but qualified for Wales through his mother.
He joined Wales’ Capital Region in 2014 and has gone on to make 25 appearances.
And after winning the Guinness PRO12 Rhino Golden Boot award following an impressive season he is back on familiar territory for Wales’ three Test summer tour.
Anscombe said: “It’s certainly going to be tough and a bit strange at times but it’s nice to be back, it’s been a while since I left.
“We tried a couple of things against England and there were certainly parts that we weren’t happy with.
“But we needed a game and it was good to blow off a bit of steam. The boys had a few weeks off and now we’re ready to play a good All Blacks team with a few new caps.
“Losing legends of the game such as Dan Carter, Richie McCaw, Ma’a Nonu, who were all once-in-a-generation world-class players, is bound to hurt the All Blacks.
“But they’ve still got a lot of experience and they keep churning out good youngsters who are going well on the world stage.
“We have a hell of a battle on our hands but it’s a great opportunity to set yourself against the best.”
Anscombe impressed off the bench in Sunday’s 27-13 defeat to England and hopes to have further opportunities against the All Blacks, while Wales also face his former Super Rugby team the Chiefs.
And the 25-year-old has no uncertainty that the collective form of Cardiff Blues has assisted his own form.
He added: “Hopefully, I can put my hand up and get a crack. We will just have to wait and see what the selectors have in mind.
“We (Cardiff Blues) are now playing a brand of rugby that suits my style more and that I enjoy.
“It’s nice to get a run of games at 10. I’m more than happy to fill in at 15 but everyone knows where I see myself and the Wales selectors see my future there as well.
“But there’s tough competition all over the place with Dan Biggar, Rhys Priestland and a few others sniffing around, so I’ve got to play well and be consistent.”