Why Louis Rees-Zammit is playing with a 'smile on my face’ for Wales

Louis Rees-Zammit says he is playing with a “smile on my face” after returning to his preferred wing position with Wales.

Rees-Zammit inspired Wales to an opening autumn series win over Japan on Saturday, capping five line breaks and 121 metres gained with his 16th international try.

The Bristol flier returned to the Test scene 12 months ago after spending two years trying to break into the NFL, but admitted this summer he had not settled back into rugby as quickly as he would have liked.

Rees-Zammit was utilised as a full-back by Wales last season, but revelled in the wide Principality Stadium spaces again as Steve Tandy’s side edged out Japan 28-21.

“I was only ever used to playing on the wing really,” Rees-Zammit said about his switch to full-back.

“I wouldn’t say it was an experiment because as a back-three player it’s very interchangeable.

“So if I’m asked to play there I’ll play there, but my favourite position is playing on the wing.

“I thought had some good performances last year, but I’m feeling really confident in my game now.

“I’m playing with a smile on my face, playing with confidence, and always feel I can beat defenders.”

Wales have won two of their four Nations Championship fixtures, having beat Fiji in the summer before losing to Argentina and South Africa.

But they remain fifth in the northern hemisphere section, and the fixture list gets considerably tougher now with New Zealand and Australia in Cardiff over the next fortnight.

New Zealand – who are on a 34-game winning streak against Wales – are next up and Rees-Zammit was among the try scorers when the All Blacks won 52-26 in Cardiff 12 months ago.

He said: “We were in that game for 60-odd minutes. It’s about hard work, putting your body on the line against those boys.

“When you get the ball, when you get chances, you have to brave and fearless, because we’ve got a really strong back line.

“We have players who can play with the ball and have a back three who can finish off chances as well.

“They’re obviously a great team, but the second you shy away from that is the moments you miss and they take advantage of it.

“It’s always special playing the All Blacks, but no matter who the opponent is we want to win games.”