WALES tighthead Samson Lee believes the pack’s performance in a disappointing performance gives some reason for optimism ahead of the daunting encounter with New Zealand, writes Chris Kirwan.

Warren Gatland’s side welcome the world champions to the Millennium Stadium on the back of an uninspiring 17-13 success against Fiji.

The All Blacks will bring their big guns after their second string sneaked past Scotland and Wales will need to cut out the errors after turning the ball over 22 times against the Islanders.

But Scarlets prop Lee and the pack can take some crumbs of comfort from the way that their driving maul caused Fiji all manner of problems.

“It was a really good performance by the forwards and we are looking pretty good up front going into New Zealand,” said the 21-year-old..

“The driving lineout went well with one penalty try and we felt we could have had another. We took control up front and the hard work from training paid off.”

Lee has made quite an impression since replacing Adam Jones in the number 3 jersey and is dreaming of starting against the All Blacks.

He said: “International rugby is a big step up and you have got to grit your teeth against these top teams because it was a tough Test against Fiji, who scrummaged really well against France.

“Work in the loose is going to be a constant work-on for me, hopefully one day I’ll get there. I just tried to get into the game the best I could early on with a couple of carries.

“I’d love to be selected against the All Blacks but I am taking it one step at a time. I just have to work hard this week and hopefully get another chance.”

Lee was full of praise for his fellow young prop Nicky Smith, who made his Test bow off the bench in the final quarter.

And the 20-year-old Ospreys loosehead, who played in the Junior World Championship last summer, believes his game has come on leaps and bounds through working alongside the seasoned pair Gethin Jenkins and Paul James.

He said: “You have to pinch yourself out there, training and playing alongside Geth, who was one of my childhood heroes. I learn so much from training with him and the same goes for Paul James.

“It eases the pressure when you have experienced boys like Geth and Paul putting an arm around you and telling you to enjoy it.”