HE might not be as powerful as Aaron Wainwright, or as explosive with ball in hand as Ollie Griffiths, or as hard-hitting as Ross Moriarty but Huw Taylor has pledged that he won't be outworked by his fellow Dragons back row forwards.

The 23-year-old started at blindside in the Guinness PRO14 opener against Munster in Limerick last weekend and will look to add impact off the bench against Zebre in Parma today (kick-off 5pm).

Taylor has impressed new director of rugby Dean Ryan with his appetite for graft and willingness to do the dirty work.

The former England Under-20s forward, who qualifies for Wales through his mother from Aberystwyth, still loves to get the ball in his hands but is happy to be a team player.

South Wales Argus:

"Dean said that I have got a role of just working hard for the team. I am trying to get my involvements in the game high," he said.

"He talks about having the 'moment' players and then those that will work for the team, and I try to fit in that category.

"There are 'moment' players like Ollie Griffiths, Harrison Keddie, Taine Basham then the likes of me and Lewis Evans who are there to put the graft in, hit the rucks and do the dirty work.

"I'd like to think that I can carry and make some decent shots as well, but my point of difference is trying to outwork everyone else."

Taylor, whose ability to play lock ensures he also provides invaluable lineout strength, wants to be at the heart of the defensive charge when he comes on in Parma.

"Driving the line speed in defence is one of key areas that I am working on, I talked about that with (coach) Simon Cross," he said.

"He said it was one of my strong points, to get off the line and make a chop-tackle early with that second man making an impact on the attacker."

South Wales Argus:

Taylor made 14 appearances in his first campaign at Rodney Parade but made just two starts because of the region's back row resources.

It's that strength that means he is a replacement today, but a seat on the bench is better than one in the stands.

"One area where we are strong at the Dragons is definitely the back row, with Ollie Griffiths, Harrison Keddie, Lewis Evans, Taine Basham, there are loads of boys," said Taylor.

"I had ups and downs last year but it was nice to be involved a bit more because at Worcester I was on the fringes and only getting a look-in every now and then."

After being put under the pump by Munster's formidable pack in the Thomond Park rain, Taylor & Co are looking to up the tempo in better conditions at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi.

"Hopefully it will be dry and we get to chuck the ball about a bit and play our game, and try to play fast.

"The Scarlets game we managed to keep hold of possession and play in the right areas, if we get that set piece and fast game right then there is no reason why we can't get the win."