NEWPORT Gwent Dragons lock Cory Hill is set to make his Test debut against Australia on Saturday after earning the seal of approval from the senior Wales players.

The 24-year-old was invited to help Rob Howley's squad in their preparations for the autumn series last week and his training exploits led to him being called up.

After missing out on the initial 36-strong group, Hill will now incredibly be part of the matchday squad against the Wallabies at a packed Principality Stadium this weekend.

With Alun Wyn Jones on compassionate leave and Jake Ball and Rory Thornton sidelined by injury, the Dragons man will be the back-up for the second row partnership of Luke Charteris and Bradley Davies.

Hill has grown in stature over four seasons at Rodney Parade following his arrival from English Championship club Moseley and the lock has been urged to grasp his chance by Howley.

"You listen to senior players and leaders in the squad and they have been mightily impressed with Cory," said the acting head coach. "If he gets that opportunity he has to take it with both hands."

Hill has caught the eye of the seasoned campaigners and has delighted the management team with the manner that he has taken the step up in training intensity in his stride.

"We've been impressed," said Howley. "The key over the last 10 days was to have numbers on the training field, which has been a challenge at times and it has been about man-managing the squad.

"Cory has played a huge part – he is very mobile and has certainly got a good engine, we've been impressed with his lineout calling and the weight that he provides at scrum time."

While Hill is thrilled to be on the bench, his regional teammate Hallam Amos has to be content with being among the replacements after starting all four summer Tests.

The Dragons winger misses out to Alex Cuthbert, who wins the duel to replace the injured Liam Williams and slot in next to Leigh Halfpenny and George North in the back three.

Cuthbert and Halfpenny didn't lock horns with the All Blacks in June through injury while North just played the opener.

"There are three British Lions in the back three and they are three potent try scorers," said Howley. "I am delighted to have them back in and the challenge is us getting the ball in the wide channels for them to be at our best.

"Selection is about attack and defence, what you do with and without the ball. Alex is a natural try scorer, 15 in the red jersey. He has been rewarded with an opportunity and the challenge is for him to take it."