Matt Sherratt is pleased with Wales' preparations over the past two weeks, as Robin McBryde's side gear themselves up for Friday's test against Tonga at Eden Park.
Wales and Tonga will face off as part of the Pasifika Challenge double header, with All Blacks also taking on Samoa at Eden Park.
Cardiff Blues backs coach, Sherratt, who is part of Wales’ backroom staff for the tour, has been impressed with how team cohesion has developed over the past fortnight, with a mix of experienced and inexperienced players in the squad.
“So far it’s been fantastic, the players are training really well and really enjoying the experience of being in Auckland and staying in Takapuna,” said Sherratt.
“So far the players have gelled into a good group.
“It’s a vey broad mix. We’ve got experienced boys like Jamie Roberts but also young boys who will be hoping to get a first cap.
“In terms of the balance of the squad, we’re really pleased with how the boys have come together.
“When you’re playing your game, it’s probably 80 per cent about yourself and 20 per cent about the opposition.
“We’ll obviously pay Tonga the respect they deserve, but in North Wales and the first few days here it’s been about getting the squad to gel as a group off the pitch and trying to get some quality on the pitch.
“It’s been pretty much about us, but as we work into the week we will focus on the tough challenge that Tonga will present.”
“It’s my second experience coming to New Zealand and you always get a rugby-mad country and until you get here you don’t realise how rugby mad they are.
“I think we’ve been mistaken for the Lions a couple of times, and been booed and jeered in the street, but it’s been all pretty good natured and it’s been great.
“I think it’s going to be a big crowd in Eden Park on Friday night and is an experience I’m certainly looking forward to and I the players will be as well.”