Wales boss Wayne Pivac has backed Aaron Wainwright to be a force at Number Eight in the Autumn Nations Cup clash with Georgia on Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm).
Wainwright returns to the national starting line-up for the clash with Georgia in Llanelli, joining flankers Justin Tipuric and James Botham in the back row.
The 23-year-old from Bassaleg will wear the Number Eight for only the second time in Test rugby - the only other appearance coming against Uruguay at the World Cup.
However, Pivac believes Wainwright has the dynamism and skills to make the move a huge success.
“Aaron has got exceptional speed and footwork, which helps at number eight,” said Pivac.
“There are a few scrums in the game and times when you need that pressure to be taken off by getting a bit of go-forward.
“He is very good in that aspect of the number eight role and you will find that he will get involved in the game a little bit more.
“Aaron will be a bit closer in terms of the breakdown and getting on the far side, getting his hands on the ball for the next carry to use his footwork.
“We will see a bit more of the skill set that he has in terms of his attacking game.”
Meanwhile, Pivac continues to monitor Ross Moriarty as he bids to get him involved in the competition.
“Each time he has come back into training to test it again, it hasn’t quite been right,” added Pivac.
“We’re very cautious on that one because we don’t want him to be out any longer than he needs to. It’s just been bad luck for Ross.”
Aaron has got exceptional speed and footwork, which helps at number eight...
