FORWARDS coach Robin McBryde is confident Wales have the men to cover in New Zealand should they lose the services of sole scavenger Sam Warburton.

The captain is the only specialist openside named in Warren Gatland's 35-strong squad for the friendly with England and three-Test tour to face the All Blacks, which also features a midweek encounter with the Chiefs.

McBryde said that while the likes of the Scarlets' James Davies, Cardiff Blues' Ellis Jenkins and Josh Navidi and Wasps' Thomas Young have caught the eye, New Zealand is a place for established Test back row forwards.

"Experience has gone a long way with regards to knowing we can rely on players who, if needs be, can fill that role," said the former hooker.

"James King has has spent a bit of time there, Josh Turnbull has been one of the Blues' best performers whatever number is on his back and it was a couple of seasons ago but Dan Lydiate was man of the match against Fiji when starting at 7.

"We know players that we've got can cover that position and they have been at international level so are well aware of that step up and what is required."

He continued: "We've chosen experience in the squad and felt it was important to have players who have been there before and are tried and tested at international level.

"They are players that we know we can rely on when they come under that pressure that we know we are going to have to deal with time and time again on tour."

Wales have plumped for experience and they will come up against an All Blacks side who are rebuilding after retaining the World Cup.

Gone are the likes of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock but McBryde expects New Zealand to take things in their stride.

"It has been a natural process for them, they haven't lost those players overnight to injury," he said.

"It's given them ample time to prepare and I dare say, knowing Steve Hansen and his coaches, they've made sure it's a seamless transition.

"I expect he has thrown down a gauntlet to these youngsters to improve on what was there before."

Wales will profit from lock Alun Wyn Jones being back to his best after the talisman missed the Six Nations finale against Italy and the Ospreys' Guinness Pro12 run-in with a foot problem.

"He makes an impact, not just through his own play but through the influence he has on others. People around him are aware that they have to be at their best in training as well as in match situations.

"We are looking forward to having him 100 per cent fit. It was obvious during the Six Nations he was a bit tired and things caught up with him and we didn't see him at his best.

"We are hoping he will return fighting fit and over his injuries and make the kind of contribution everyone knows he is capable of making. I'm sure he is going to relish the opportunity to go to New Zealand."