Wales

Smith, 23, started one game in the Six Nations as Rob Evans established himself at loose-head.

But, with Evans and Gethin Jenkins injured, Ospreys' Smith is keen to take his chance.

"Going from starting the first game in Italy to being on the bench for the rest of the Six Nations was disappointing," said Smith.

"But, looking back on it, it wasn't the worst thing in the world to happen to me.

"I was disappointed at the time, but it was my first full Six Nations campaign and I was still involved in every game, and it has made me more hungry."

Wales have not reached a World Cup since 1958 and they remain four points behind their opponents at the Group D summit after goals from Aaron Ramsey and Mitrovic.

Although Wales' winless run goes on without suspended star man Gareth Bale, they will surely ruefully reflect on the opportunities passed up in four consecutive draws prior to visiting Belgrade - rather than a hard-fought point here - if they fail to close the gap to Serbia.

The unwanted streak includes a draw secured by Mitrovic's late header for Serbia in Cardiff in November.

Dubbed the 'Pasifika Challenge' due to its showcasing of Pacific Island rugby, the action in Auckland begins with Wales versus Tonga at 17:30 (local time), followed by the All Blacks' British and Irish Lions warm-up match against Samoa at 20:00. 

A deal hasn't yet been agreed but the Weekend Herald understands there is growing confidence among all parties that on Friday, June 16, the All Blacks will play Samoa in Auckland - with Tonga versus Wales as the curtain raiser.

The All Blacks are keen to play a meaningful contest before the first test against the Lions on June 24. They are conscious the Lions will have had six tough tour games before that first test, while the All Blacks will have had two weeks of training, but no opportunity to play.

Match citing commissioner John Montgomery has until Tuesday morning (NZ Time) to decide if any incident should be reported and a disciplinary hearing convened.

North complained to referee Wayne Barnes that he had been bitten in the 12th minute of added time in last Sunday's test, which took 100 minutes to complete.

He pointed to a bite mark on his arm, but after a lengthy delay Barnes decided the video replays were inconclusive.

The clock showed 99 minutes and 55 seconds when replacement flanker Chouly dotted the ball down after nine penalty scrums, and Camille Lopez slotted over the conversion as France saved their place in the second pot ahead of the 2019 World Cup draw.

Wales had victory in their sights when Leigh Halfpenny's sixth penalty gave them a 18-13 lead but France won a five-metre penalty scrum with one minute left.

North had been warned about his form by defence coach Shaun Edwards in the build-up to the game and responded by demonstrating his quality and power as Wales scored three unanswered tries in a hard-worked win.

RNZ reports Wales led 8-6 at half time.

Jamie Roberts clinched the game with Wales' third try in the 78th minute.

Ireland's New Zealand coach Joe Schmidt said his side paid a high price for a yellow card handed to first five Johnny Sexton which saw Wales score 10 points in six minutes either side of half-time.

The next Rugby World Cup is two-and-a-half years away but it is suddenly looming large for the Welsh after a run of eight losses in its last 13 internationals, two of which have come in the Six Nations against England and Scotland.

Wales has slumped to No 7 in the World Rugby rankings and could plunge to ninth place with losses to Ireland in Cardiff on Friday (Saturday NZ time) and in France on the final weekend. That would mean going into the draw for the 2019 Rugby World Cup in May out of the top-eight seeds and facing the prospect of playing two top rivals in the pool stage.

The Wales Rugby Union had expressed concerns about the availability of medical cover in Tonga, in case of a serious injury, and about the readiness of Teufaiva National Stadium, which is being redeveloped for the 2019 Pacific Games.

The 'Ikale Tahi have not played on home soil since a 2009 defeat against Fiji and head coach Toutai Kefu said they were desperate to change that.

"We kind of knew a while back that it was heading down that track, where that Welsh test was not going to be in Tonga," he said.

The Tongan government insists it can still get Teufaiva Stadium ready on time, and have the pitch in playing condition.

The General Secretary of the TRU, Filokalafi Akau'ola said he is not optimistic about Wales signing off on the game when they make their final inspection in just a few weeks’ time.