Josh Adams warned Wales’ rivals that Louis Rees-Zammit is a much-improved player ahead his second Guinness Six Nations campaign.
The winger made an instant impact in his debut Championship last year, with four tries in five games helping Wales go to claim the title.
Scotland’s Duhan van der Merwe beat him to the top try-scorer’s award by one but Rees-Zammit, who celebrates his 21st birthday today, again looks primed for a strong campaign.
He reminded everyone of his raw speed with an incredible 80-metre solo try for club side Gloucester on Saturday, just minutes after coming off the bench and his fellow Wales winger Adams believes he is going from strength to strength.
“Wow, that was a hell of a finish on the weekend, fair play, and that just sums him up,” Adams said.
“One absolute moment of magic and he can carve you up like that.
“His raw credentials of speed, power and finishing ability, I have not seen anybody as good. He has been terrific ever since he has come in.
“It was a learning curve in his first campaign, but he has worked hard and that is very noticeable now with the way he plays.
“He is very good both sides of the ball, and he is a massive weapon for us.”
Wales start their Guinness Six Nations defence with a trip to Dublin to face in-form Ireland on Saturday and will need Rees-Zammit at his best.
Much has been made of Wales’ injury concerns, with the likes of Alun Wyn Jones, George North, Ken Owens, Justin Tipuric and Leigh Halfpenny out with long-term injuries.
However, assistant coach Stephen Jones is confident they can rise to the occasion against a team that have won their last eight Test matches.
Jones said: “I like how hard we are working as a group. I love our attitude and desire to improve.
“I am conscious of the fact that first-up we are out in Ireland against a team we respect hugely as a coaching group.
“This is brilliant, isn’t it? This is why we play the game – Dublin, a 60,000 sell-out with crowds back in. This is where you want to be as a player and a coach.
“We have faith in our game and style of play, and it is about enjoying the battle.”
