Wales wing Louis Rees-Zammit says he has rediscovered his swagger as he aims to fight fire with fire against the All Blacks.

Rees-Zammit will be to the fore when Steve Tandy's side attempt to upset the odds against New Zealand in the Nations Championship on Saturday (14:10 GMT).

Wales go into the game after labouring to a 28-21 bonus-point victory against Japan at Principality Stadium.

It was an unconvincing performance, but Rees-Zammit stood out, scoring a try, making 12 carries for 121 metres and beating 13 defenders to be named man of the match.

He made more line breaks against Japan than he did in the entire Six Nations, when he started every game at full-back.

"I felt really confident out there and that's from the work in the week and at Bristol," said Rees-Zammit.

"I have found some confidence in my game and playing back on the wing helps. I feel I can create chances, help the team go forward and finish tries off."

Rees-Zammit is in his second season since returning to rugby from two years trying to make it in the NFL.

The 2021 British and Irish Lions tourist has crossed five times in five games for Bristol and is second in the Prem for defenders beaten (28), fifth for metres gained (299) and third for clean breaks (12).

He said: "I am just playing with a smile on my face, playing with confidence and always thinking that I can beat defenders, and in defence I feel really good as well."

Rees-Zammit assessment is backed up by Wales' record try scorer.

Shane Williams told the Scrum V podcast: "He's a confident young man isn't he? He's definitely looking bigger and sharper than he has for some time.

"I know he's been talking about that he's put a bit of weight on and he's stronger and faster, but the proof's in the pudding.

Williams, who scored 60 tries in 91 Test appearances for Wales and the British and irish Lions, was impressed by Rees-Zammit's performance in the opening autumn fixture.

"He certainly looked the business against Japan. It's encouraging to see him get involved in the game nice and early taking defenders on.

"He looked sharp. Whether he's going to be able to bump off the All Blacks defenders the way he did on on Saturday, I'm not sure.

"But it's encouraging, he took his try well and was busy throughout."

Tandy's side now host a New Zealand side that impressively stretched away from Scotland in the second half in a comprehensive 43-21 success.

Wales have lost 34 straight games to the All Blacks since their 1953 triumph, a streak that few expect to end in Cardiff.

But Rees-Zammit takes encouragement from last November's meeting when New Zealand won 52-26 - but led just 24-21 early in the second half.

"Last year we were in it until 60-odd minutes. It's about hard work and putting your body on the line against those boys," said the wing, who scored an acrobatic try against New Zealand last year.

"Then when you get the ball and get chances, be brave with it, be fearless because we have a strong back line and players who can finish.

"Next week will be brave and go for it. They are obviously a great team, but the second that you shy away from it, you miss and they take advantage."

After left wing Tom Rogers became the first Welsh player to score a hat-trick against New Zealand last year, Rees-Zammit will hope for plenty of chances to show his finishing prowess on the right flank next weekend.