Wales lost their World Cup semi-final with South Africa 19-16 and it means they will now take on the All Blacks in Tokyo on Friday to bid for a third-placed finish.
The game will be head coach Gatland’s last in charge after 12 years of remarkable success and his assistant coaches McBryde and Shaun Edwards will also be moving on.
Forwards guru McBryde said: “I’ve had my time, but I’m jealous of any coach that is going to grab hold and work with these players. You just have to look at the ages of some of them and the successful experiences they’ve had.
“They know how to win games, be in tight situations, and get out on top. If you don’t win, you’re always wondering ‘What’s the magic recipe? What’s the secret?’
“But those players have experienced it firsthand so they know it’s down to hard work and some of those values that I’ve spoken about. Any coach has to be excited about coming in to work with these individuals. There is talent there. Tomos Williams is one who has stood out. Aaron Wainwright is another. These are young men who have got really bright futures.”
Wales have given another of their young players a chance to impress against New Zealand with wing Owen Lane set to win his second cap.
The Cardiff Blues tyro was only called up to Japan last week as an injury replacement for Josh Navidi. “Without the pressure of having to win, I hope the players go out there and enjoy it. A World Cup comes around once every four years. You just have to make the most of it,” said McBryde.
“I said to the players that nothing comes close to playing, not even coaching. Not everybody gets to stand opposite the haka and test yourself against the best team in the world.
“I just hope that the boys go out there and show what they can do. The game against South Africa was a tense affair and quite a tight game really. I think it will be the complete opposite on Friday night. There will be two teams going out there and wanting to show their skills.
“Hopefully it will be a good advert for rugby as well. We’ve had a fantastic time in Japan and people will be turning up to watch the game hoping to see some great tries.”
