Callum Sheedy and Ioan Lloyd are soaking up all the information they can as the Wales newcomers explained what their first taste of international rugby has been like.
Both Cardiff born and bred, Sheedy and Lloyd earned their first call-ups to the national squad after enjoying impressive seasons over the bridge with Premiership side Bristol Bears.
And while 25-year-old Sheedy is cautious about talking about winning his first cap, the fly-half told the WRU website that he is making sure he is ready should he get the call.
“It’s been brilliant, the boys have been unbelievable,” he said.
“They have welcomed us really well and just getting into the international set-up is a step up from club level so just trying to get used to all of that as quickly as I can, learn all the calls.
“I’m trying to fit in the best I can.
“Everything is a little bit quicker, there’s more pressure, you have to execute your skills faster but I think it’s the pressure we put on each other and the coaches put on you.
“I’m fortunate at Bristol that we train at a high level and Pat [Lam, Bristol director of rugby] demands a lot from us there, so it’s not too dissimilar in terms of that.
“It’s just the pressure of the defence that is a lot quicker so being able to execute those skills under pressure is a work-on.
“It’s good to catch up with a few old faces. Obviously growing up with a few of the lads, whether it’s from age-grade or Cardiff it’s nice to see them as it’s been a couple of years.
“It’s almost teasing to train and not play but I’m just trying to learn as much as I can in terms of the calls and the game plan, hopefully if I get a chance I’ll be up to speed.”
Wales open their Autumn Nations Cup campaign on Friday night against Ireland, with Wayne Pivac’s side looking to end a run of five consecutive defeats in Dublin.
For 19-year-old Lloyd, though, his first priority is getting used to his new surroundings after a fairytale season saw him burst on the scene at Bristol with several headline-stealing displays.
“I’m absolutely loving it, the boys have been really welcoming,” he said.
“They have made it really easy to fit in and I’m loving being out on the pitch and being able to train with all these players, it’s just been amazing.
“Obviously it’s a lot faster and a lot more intense, it’s a big step up but I’m loving every minute of it. I’m just trying hard to get better every day and try get more used to it really.”
