ED Jackson has tipped his former Dragons back row partner Ollie Griffiths to make waves with Wales if the "freak athlete" stays fit.

Jackson returned to Rodney Parade as part of the Premier Sports commentary team for last weekend's nervy 27-22 victory against Southern Kings.

He watched on as openside Griffiths took the man of the match award for an all-action display in which he scored the opening try and put in some telling tackles.

Strong-running number eight Jackson spent two seasons with the Dragons before he retired because a neck injury suffered in a swimming pool accident.

The second of those campaigns was a breakthrough year for Griffiths, who made 22 appearances to sweep the board at the region's end of season awards night and earn a first Wales cap as a replacement against Tonga.

The flanker was unable to push on after suffering jaw, ankle and hip injuries in 2017/18 but the 23-year-old from Newbridge is back fit and aiming to return to the Test scene in World Cup year.

Even after the retirement of Sam Warburton, Warren Gatland has a wealth of back rowers but Jackson believes Griffiths can make a big impact with Wales.

"Nobody who has ever played with Ollie will question his ability, he is a freak athlete who is getting more and more experienced and is getting a better rugby head on him," he said.

"He just needs to stay fit and if he does then it is only a matter of time before he is making waves internationally, never mind for the region.

"We saw a glimpse of what he does in the game against the Kings and Ollie backs it up every week."

Griffiths was joined in the back row against the Kings by Wales and Lions number eight Ross Moriarty in his first game since signing from Gloucester and blindside Aaron Wainwright, who shone last season to earn a Wales cap against Argentina in June.

Head coach Bernard Jackman is blessed with options for the 6, 7 and 8 jerseys but Jackson liked what he saw last weekend.

"That trio has a nice balance," said the 29-year-old. "There is no out-and-out jackaler or out-and-out ball carrier, they can all do a bit of everything.

"Moriarty is the oldest at 24 – if the Dragons can keep hold of these boys and keep them fit then it's looking good. There are other quality players to step in too, but I liked the look of the balance of that back row.

"It was always going to be a tough ask for Ross, he was getting build up massively before the game and everyone was expecting him to have a worldie.

"But he hadn't played for ages and was chucked straight back in for 80 minutes. He had a solid game, some people may have been saying 'oh, but he didn't score a hat-trick' but he will get bedded in.

"He will have a big impact on the rest of the squad and influence those around him, while we will see his class in the big games."