The 31-year-old will not be involved against New Zealand this weekend, with Gabriel Hamer-Webb starting

Wales head coach Steve Tandy has explained why Josh Adams didn't keep his place on the wing against New Zealand, despite a two-try performance against Japan last weekend.

The 31-year-old is one of Wales' most experienced backs - with only Tomos Williams boasting more caps in the current squad. As such, the Cardiff wing has been leant on as a reliable presence by Tandy in his first year in charge.

However, despite a strong outing against the Brave Blossoms last weekend - with Adams crossing twice and coming up with a crucial turnover at the death - Tandy has opted to hand Leicester Tigers wing Gabriel Hamer-Webb his second Test cap against the All Blacks this Saturday.

"Four Test matches in a row is a pretty big ask for players," said Tandy after naming his team on Thursday morning. "There will be some players in our squad who will do the four.

"But again, it's an opportunity to find out about others. Josh has been outstanding. What he brings off the field to the group is massive.

"Him coming back, having gone back to play for Cardiff the week before, because he wanted that starting berth. He handled that really well and played really well this training week.

"But we've got Gabe Hamer-Webb, Ellis Mee, Macs Page and Tom Rogers. There's competition in that area. We feel it's an opportunity for Gabe to come in this weekend."

WalesOnline had reported earlier this week that there was a plan to rest Adams at some point, with Hamer-Webb always likely to be selected at some point.

However, making that change for the visit of New Zealand is an indication of what matches Wales are targeting this autumn.

"There's always that plan to rotate, especially in the autumn," added Tandy. "In the Six Nations, it's a bit more about what the team is.

"Again, you look at boys coming back and where they've been. Fair play to Josh, he went back the weekend before and played, coming back from injury.

"It's just having an awareness and ultimately creating the opportunity for Josh to have a bit of a break this weekend. It'll be good for him to train this week.

"It gives Gabe an unbelievable opportunity. In fairness, last week the selection was close. You look at the wingers.

"Ellis Mee has played unbelievably well for us, started the season strongly for the Scarlets. We feel we have to find out and it's a great opportunity for Gabe."

Hamer-Webb had made his Wales debut earlier this year in the Six Nations against Scotland, enduring a bumpy start to life in international rugby.

However, since then he has been in fine try-scoring form for Leicester - scoring 11 tries in the Prem since his Wales debut back in February.

"Even on that Monday (after the Scotland game), when you spoke to Gabe, the awareness was there," said Tandy about how he has responded to that first Test. "Some players would probably shy away from what the game was.

"But you didn't even need to go through it. As coaches, you've got everything prepared for one-on-ones, but he knew exactly what it was. He's aligned to it.

"You look at the way he's gone to Leicester, with guys like (Adam) Radwan and (Ollie) Hassell-Collins in fine form, and he's broken into that.

"I think his intent around the chase, the growth in his recovery. I think he deserves this opportunity."