Wayne Pivac has vowed to give dynamic back row Taine Basham ‘a good chunk of game time’ to showcase his talents in the summer Test with Canada at Principality Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3pm).
The Wales boss has named a potentially record-breaking eight Dragons in his squad to face Canada with Elliot Dee, the uncapped Ben Carter, Will Rowlands, Aaron Wainwright, Ross Moriarty and Jonah Holmes all starting.
Basham is joined by regional team-mate Leon Brown among the replacements – but will get a chance to show his worth in the capital.
The back row was named by Pivac in his first Wales squad two years ago but is now set for his international debut after finishing the season strongly.
"Taine is very dynamic. He has been in fits and starts in training, so needs to get his fitness up after coming back from injury," said Pivac.
"Taine has worked his way back into the game off the bench for the Dragons and just has to keep working hard.
"He is dynamic with a great skill set to go with the power that he possesses. I love him on the ball, he can offer us something in the wider channels and help us get over the gain line. He will get a good chunk of game time."
Meanwhile, Pivac has also backed second row Carter to take his chance to impress after being elevated to the starting line-up.
Pivac was set to get with Rowlands and Adam Beard this weekend – but Beard’s call-up to the British & Irish Lions tour means opportunity knocks for newcomer Carter.
"I like the Will Rowlands and Adam Beard combination - two huge men - but that's not going to happen for the time being," said Pivac.
"Ben was always going to be involved in the first game, we wanted to test him and that was originally going to be off the bench.
"He has been training right from day one with the group and gets an opportunity to start. I am excited for him because he will learn even more and get a little bit more responsibility.
"Both of those guys starting will have an opportunity to put their hands up for what will be a very tough series against Argentina.”
I love him on the ball, he can offer us something in the wider channels and help us get over the gain line. He will get a good chunk of game time...
