Byrne is shackled by the South Africa defence in Cardiff last weekend © Getty Images

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Players/Officials: Lee Byrne

Teams: Wales

Grounds: Millennium Stadium

Lee Byrne faces another red-letter day in his flourishing Test career this weekend when Wales tackle New Zealand at the Millennium Stadium.

The Wales full-back - a strong candidate to gain Lions Test honours in South Africa next summer - has become one of his country's most consistent players. Despite only making his Wales debut three years ago - against New Zealand in Cardiff - his form continues to command rave reviews.

But Byrne has also revealed the debt of gratitude he believes is owed to Wales boss Warren Gatland and his coaching staff. He said: "The new coaches have given me the confidence and really made me believe in myself. When Warren arrived, he said he didn't know anything about me, but that he would go on my performances. And if it wasn't for him, then I probably wouldn't be playing international rugby."

Ospreys star Byrne is among the players charged with trying to end Wales' 55-year wait for victory over New Zealand on Saturday - a run of 19 successive defeats. And after taking world champions South Africa to the wire 12 days ago before conceding a five-point defeat, Byrne is upbeat about Wales' prospects.

He added: "We have the belief we can compete with the best, like we did against South Africa. New Zealand have got world-class players. It is a big ask, but we can turn them over. It's all about taking our chances from those line-breaks, or when we get near their line. It is also important we are patient and don't force things. They (New Zealand) would be a prime scalp. They are the best team in the world for me"'

Byrne went on as a replacement the last time Wales hosted New Zealand as reigning Six Nations champions, but he could make little difference as the All Blacks romped home 41-3. He said: "It was great to make my debut, although they seemed to be scoring tries all the time. But we are better prepared now - we have come a long way.

"They are an all-round class team and so dangerous. They know how to get to the try-line, and they can score from anywhere on the field. I thought they were very professional against Ireland last Saturday. They came away with a victory - something we weren't able to do against South Africa."

Gatland, meanwhile, looks set to make a decision later today on whether Ospreys fly-half James Hook is fit enough for bench duty against New Zealand. Hook limped off during the Canada game last Friday because of knee tendon trouble, with his 19-year-old Ospreys colleague Dan Biggar standing by to step in as cover for Stephen Jones.