NEWPORT Gwent Dragons lock Bryce Morgan will not only have to cope with the nerves of making his first start for Wales Under-20s against Scotland this evening but will be calling the lineouts.

The 19-year-old will wear the number 5 jersey in Colwyn Bay (kick-off 6.30pm) after making his debut off the bench in last weekend’s excellent 35-24 win against Ireland in the Six Nations opener.

The 6ft 5ins prospect developed under the tutelage of former Wales and Dragons lock Rob Sidoli at Newport High School and has made 12 appearances for Newport RFC this season and one for Bedwas.

Morgan comes into the side for Adam Beard, who is poised for Guinness Pro12 action against Munster with the Ospreys, and head coach Jason Strange has no problem with throwing him some added responsibility.

“Bryce’s opportunity has come a little bit earlier than expected with Adam going back to the Ospreys and a few second rows being on the injured list but over the past few weeks he has been outstanding in training,” said the former fly-half.

“We are asking him to run the lineout against Scotland, which is a big task for someone in their first year with the Under-20s but the way that he has led the group in the last few sessions shows he is more than up to it.

“He’s done well in the Premiership and hopefully he can do well at the lineout and work hard around the field. This experience will be fantastic for him.”

Morgan is one of three Dragons involved with Harri Keddie starting at number eight and tighthead prop Leon Brown is among the replacements.

Wales are looking to avenge a 36-34 loss to Scotland when the sides met at Netherdale while Strange believes the visitors’ stunning opening win against the English means they are favourites.

“We will go into the game as firm underdogs,” said the former Ebbw Vale boss. “They are a very good side with a lot of experience and boys back from last year.

“It’s a good challenge and it’s important we continue with the form of last week and go in with an attacking mentality.”

Wales U20: Rhun Williams (RGC); Elis-Wyn Benham (Cardiff Blues), Joe Thomas (Ospreys), Harri Millard (Cardiff Blues), Keelan Giles (Ospreys); Dan Jones (Scarlets), Reuben Morgan-Williams (Ospreys); Corey Domachowski (Cardiff Blues), Dafydd Hughes (Scarlets), Dillon Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Shane Lewis-Hughes (Cardiff Blues), Bryce Morgan (Newport Gwent Dragons), Tom Phillips (captain, Scarlets), Shaun Evans (Scarlets), Harrison Keddie (Newport Gwent Dragons)

Replacements: Ifan Phillips (Scarlets), Robert Lewis (Cardiff Blues), Leon Brown (Newport Gwent Dragons), James Ratti (Ospreys), Morgan Sieniawski (Cardiff Blues), Declan Smith (Scarlets), Billy McBryde (Scarlets), Joe Gage (Ospreys)