TAVIS Knoyle has dedicated his first Wales cap against the All Blacks to his close family.

The 20-year-old scrum-half came on for his Test debut to replace the injured Andrew Bishop in the final six minutes of the crushing 42-9 defeat in Dunedin.

But Scarlets rookie Knoyle, who combined rugby with a job in the coal mine of Onllwyn only 18 months ago, has paid tribute to dad David, mum Kay and brother Lewis.

Knoyle, who becomes the 199th player to be capped by Llanelli RFC and the Scarlets, said: "I have mixed emotions but I want to thank my family for everything they have done for me in my rugby upbringing.

"It was a huge honour for me to come on and represent my country and I wanted to do my best but it was difficult in the circumstances.

"If someone had told me at the start of the season I'd be playing for Wales against the All Blacks then I would have said they needed their head examined.

"Of course, it was a great experience and Rob Howley gave me a pat on the back at the end and said 'Well done'. But the scoreline was so disappointing because we had been training so well especially after the South Africa game."

Mike Phillips is set to remain as first-choice No. 9 for the second Test in Hamilton on Saturday with Knoyle waiting patiently in the next 48 hours before the team announcement to see if he will keep his spot as reserve ahead of Richie Rees.

But Glynneath-born Knoyle insists he is craving more Test action following his short cameo at Carisbrook.

Quickly

Knoyle added: "The minutes went by pretty quickly but I want more now.

"When I came on I thought; 'This isn't as bad as it feels when you are waiting on the sidelines'. I was ready for it.

"I have looked at someone like James Hook and I know how things changed for him in a year. Over the next couple of years I want to keep working hard.

"I want to keep learning and push now for my first start for Wales.

"I learnt so much even in my first training session and being in the environment is special.

"It's something I have always dreamed of."