TEENAGER Taine Basham is in line for a first Rodney Parade appearance with the Dragons after being hailed as one of Wales' brightest Six Nations prospects.

The 18-year-old back row from Talywain made his regional debut against the Scarlets in January and is poised to be involved on home soil for the first time versus the Cheetahs on Friday.

The combative teen is highly-rated by the Dragons management and he will head into Guinness PRO14 action in fine form after catching the eye in the red of Wales.

Basham, who is still eligible for the Under-18s, featured in all five games of the Under-20s Six Nations.

He started at number eight in every game apart from the loss to England and his powerful performances made a big impression on Wales head coach Jason Strange.

"Taine has been a standout for us this season," said Strange. "If he was in his last year of Under-20s then you would be impressed but for him to do what he has done in his first is very impressive.

"He has been excellent and really consistent in his performance. He is a competitor with a nice edge about him – he is explosive, has good footwork and a great work rate.

"Taine is versatile and is smart enough to play across the back row at 6, 7 and 8. You certainly know that he's on the field because he affects games with his actions."

Basham was part of an eight-strong Dragons contingent to play in the U20 Six Nations along with loosehead Josh Reynolds, hooker Will Griffiths, lock Max Williams, flanker Lennon Greggains, scrum-half Dan Babos and speedsters Joe Goodchild and Rio Dyer.

They, along with fit-again tighthead Chris Coleman, are aiming to be members of the squad for the World Rugby U20 Championship in France at the end of May and June.

Former Ebbw Vale supremo Strange believes the Rodney Parade region will profit from their prospects enjoying international experiences, especially those like Basham and Babos who have been promoted ahead of their time.

"I think they passed the stage of being in the Wales Under-18s squad, the 20s is where they need to be," said Strange.

"It's a step up physically and the experience of being in the camp for these tournaments will benefit the Dragons over the next 12 to 18 months.

"There is a great competition structure at Under-20s level and we go from the Six Nations to playing South Africa in a warm-up for the World Cup, have a training camp against England then play Australia, New Zealand and Japan.

"The boys will have played France, South Africa, Australia and New Zealand within the space of eight weeks, all games against tough teams that would help any player develop."

The Dragons name their team to face the Cheetahs at midday tomorrow with the Wales trio of Cory Hill, Elliot Dee and Hallam Amos set to feature after returning from Six Nations duty.

Bernard Jackman's men are hunting a first PRO14 victory since beating the Southern Kings in September 12 games ago and will be keen to sign off with a success in their final Newport fixture of a disappointing campaign.