USA v WALES Ruddock backs weakened side Wales team to face USA

"(Coach) Mike Ruddock has picked a young squad and given us a chance to prove what we can do - I'll take it with both hands," said the 24-year-old.

The Scarlets player wins his first cap in place of back-injury victim Mefin Davies, who he understudied for three years at Pontypridd and the Warriors.

"Mefin's been superb and helped me all the way since my selection," said Rees.

"I respect him hugely as a person and as a player, as I do [injured Wales and Scarlets hooker] Robin McBryde.

I've watched Matthew coming through and this is his time Mefin Davies

"But Mefin's 32 now and Robin's 35 and in the longer term the Wales jersey's there to be taken.

"I hope I can hold my hand up and claim it, although there are a couple of other good young hookers coming through."

Davies said he was "disappointed and frustrated" to miss out on the USA game.

But he hopes to recover in time for Canada and wished his young understudy the best.

"It's a great new start for Wales with all the youngsters on the scene," Davies told BBC Sport Wales.

I got hooked on rugby watching players like the Chief [Dale McIntosh] at Pontypridd Matthew Rees

"Matthew's excited, I've watched him coming through and this is his time - I'm very glad for him."

Tonyrefail-born Rees revealed that he was a late starter at rugby union.

"I only started playing at the age of 17 or 18, but got hooked watching players like the Chief [Dale McIntosh] at Pontypridd," he told BBC Sport Wales.

"I get the nitty-gritty work done, but I'm quite an open player.

"I like to get my hands on the ball, and the way Wales played in the Six Nations really suits my style of play.

"The USA will be direct and in our faces and have some excellent key players like [number eight] Kort Schubert and [fly-half] Mike Hercus.

"They're a threatening side, but we have to put the fire out before it starts."