Robin McBryde says it is “vitally important” that Wales maintain autumn momentum against Tonga on Saturday.

Wales head coach Warren Gatland is expected to make several changes after a first victory since 2008 over Australia on Saturday and ahead of next week’s appointment with South Africa.

Wales have not lost since last season’s Six Nations Championship, reeling off seven successive wins, which represents their longest unbeaten run of Gatland’s 10-year reign.

And it is possible that players such as uncapped Leicester back Jonah Holmes, centre Owen Watkin, scrum-half Tomos Williams, plus forwards Leon Brown, Aaron Wainwright, Ellis Jenkins and Seb Davies will be involved as Wales’ World Cup countdown continues.

“Everybody who puts the red shirt on during this autumn campaign leading into the next year realises they have to grab this opportunity with both hands,” Wales assistant coach and forwards specialist McBryde said.

“There is the nature of the competitiveness of this squad, and you consider there are a couple of world-class players not available through injury who are going to come back into the mix. They know they have to take the opportunity.

“We took a lot of heart from making 10 changes from Italy in the Six Nations (last season) and getting a good victory.

“This autumn is a little bit different because we are two (wins) from two.

“We have got quite a bit of momentum from the Australia game.”