NEWPORT Gwent Dragons speedster Hallam Amos get his chance to shine in the Six Nations this afternoon – with Wales' most experienced back tipping him to take a step towards becoming a household name.

The 21-year-old from Cross Ash will make his tournament debut when winning his sixth cap on the wing against Italy at Principality Stadium.

Amos has had to be patient after being an unused member of Warren Gatland's Six Nations squad in 2015 and missing out to Tom James in this year's clashes with Ireland and Scotland before Alex Cuthbert got the nod for France and England.

But the Dragons ace, who forced his way into the XV at the World Cup before dislocating his right shoulder in the famous win against England, finally gets his chance this afternoon and will bid to stake a claim for a place in team to face New Zealand in June.

Powerhouse centre Jamie Roberts is backing the youngster to thrive on the big stage and continue on his rise towards becoming an international star.

"Hallam is an explosive player and over the last few years has improved and shown how much of a huge prospect he is," said Roberts, who will win his 79th cap against the Azzuri.

"Looking forward over the next four or five years, Hallam Amos could be a household name in Welsh rugby and beyond. I am sure he has got aspirations to play at the very top levels of the game and has all the potential to do so."

Head coach Gatland said on Tuesday that he will demand that Amos gets off his wing to go hunting for openings.

Number eight Taulupe Faletau says it's up to the rest of the Wales team to be on his Dragons teammate's wavelength as they look to finish the tournament with a flourish.

"It's good to see him back involved in the team and he will be looking to put his hand up for the jersey," said the back row forward from Pontypool.

"He has that x-factor and shows a lot of maturity for his age. You can't limit someone like him, he has to be given a free role and it's up to us to play off him.

"He breaks tackle and if you run good support lines I am sure he will pop the ball up."

Amos, who scored his first Test try in the World Cup win against Uruguay, has been in fine form for the Dragons since making his January return with three tries in six outings.