OLLIE Griffiths can take another step towards ensuring he jets off for the southern hemisphere rather than Greece in June when he finishes a stellar season with Newport Gwent Dragons this evening (kick-off 5.15pm).

The 22-year-old from Newbridge has been an extremely bright light from what has been a challenging season at Rodney Parade.

Griffiths has made 21 appearances and is among the PRO12’s top performers for tackles (189), carries (155) and turnovers (20) from his 17 league outings.

His exploits in a struggling side mean that he could (many say should) be named in Robin McBryde’s Wales squad for the summer Tests against Samoa and Tonga on Tuesday.

If the interim national boss has any slight doubts, and he is blessed with back row options, then a strong showing against a Cardiff Blues side featuring fellow Wales hopeful Ellis Jenkins at openside would do the power of good.

“It’s always a massive game, a local derby between Newport Gwent Dragons against Cardiff Blues always has an extra edge to it,” said Griffiths. “It’s the last game of the season and the boys will be looking to finish on a high.

“The Blues have got a lot of good jackallers, their back row is good over the ball and they have a big ball carrier in Nick Williams, but we will be looking to make sure we come out on top at the contact area.”

Griffiths has a preference for openside flanker but has also been sharing the duties at blindside and number eight with captain Lewis Evans recently while Nic Cudd has worn 7 on his back.

“It’s not a massive change whether wearing 6, 7 or 8. Your role might change a bit in the lineout or scrum but in open play I just tend to play my usual game regardless,” said Griffiths.

“I enjoy picking up off the back of the scrum when I get the chance but whether 6, 7 or 8, I am just happy to be playing.”

The Cudd-Griffiths combo has the ability to wreak havoc at the contact area, similar to the Wallabies’ breakaway pairing of David Poccock and Michael Hooper.

“Australia went with two 7s a few years back and that changed everyone’s perception,” said Griffiths, who

“You don’t necessarily need to have a 6 who is a massive lineout jumper or a big unit, you can change your back rowers according to what sort of style of play you want or what team you are playing against.”

Cardiff Blues boss Danny Wilson, who is deprived of the services of Josh Navidi through injury, has identified the breakdown as a key area of the game.

“I expect the contact area battle to be fierce,” said the former Dragons forwards coach. “Against the Ospreys our performance there, both sides of the ball in attack and defence, was top end.

“As much as Zebre caused up problems there, we caused ourselves problems as well so we need to get that right and deal with the threat.

“The Dragons have a back row with real presence over the ball, same as we do, so that could be an interesting battle that could dictate, along with the referee, how the game pans out.

“The Dragons will be fired up, there’s no doubt about that, and have some quality players. No matter how good or bad your form is derbies are different and there’s a cup match feel and intensity.

“We need to rock up mentally in the right place, because the Dragons will be.”