THE Cardiff plastic will certainly be fantastic for Hallam Amos on Boxing Day when the Newport Gwent Dragons wing attempts to go on the run against the Blues.

The 20-year-old Wales international endured a testing afternoon in the Arms Park mudbath of 2012 when fielding plenty of high balls in the wind and rain as the side from the capital triumphed 12-10.

Much to Amos' relief there is no chance of a quagmire on Friday (kick-off 2.05pm) with the Blues enjoying their second season on a 3G surface.

"That was an interesting game and some of the worst conditions that I have played in so it will be a bit different with the artificial pitch," said Amos, who was an unused member of Wales' squad for the autumn internationals.

"I don't think the ball got outside Andy Tuilagi at 12 once that day so hopefully there will be more running rugby this time and we can get out hands on ball and see what we can do as a back three."

The Dragons triumvirate of Amos, Matthew Pewtner and Tom Prydie will enjoy a tussle with Cardiff Blues' trio of Wales speedster Alex Cuthbert and Argentina internationals Joaquin Tuculet and Lucas Amorosino.

"They look useful, a big left-footer at 15 and then two skilful wingers who are strong runners," said Amos.

"We know what Cuthy can do and he is a great player. He is proven at all levels, the Lions, Wales and the Blues and that's where I want to be.

"You have to challenge the best to be the best and it will be good to test myself against him."

The Dragons make the short trip west on the back of an encouraging performance to earn a bonus point against Guinness Pro12 title hopefuls Glasgow and victories against Bucharest (away and home) and Zebre.

Amos said: "We are definitely building and have had purple patches where we have been really strong so it's just a case of keeping it up for the full 80 minutes, which hopefully we can do on Friday.

"These are the games that we all look forward to. There's going to be a sell-out crowd and a hell of an atmosphere."