DRAGONS full back Aled Thomas is determined to take his chance after being given the nod for Wales Under-21s in their clash with Italy at Rodney Parade tomorrow night.

The 21-year-old has endured a frustrating campaign, watching from the sidelines as Cardiff's Jamie Roberts has put in a string of fine performances in the number 15 jersey.

But the coaches have plumped for Thomas for the clash with the Azzurri and he is determined to repay their faith and impress as the countdown to June's World Cup begins.

Thomas said: "Obviously it's been a bit of a long wait for me. I've had limited opportunities coming off the bench but it's a good chance for me to show what I can do and hopefully cement my place.

"It's been pretty tough competing with Jamie, I was on the bench for the majority of the campaign last year and it has been the same again. But I have got to look at the positives and now there's the challenge to keep my place.

"It's up to me to take the opportunity and it's a case of staking a claim for the jersey. I've been given the chance to impress and I want to show what I bring to the table."

It has been a mixed-bag of a championship so far for coach Chris Davey's 2005 Grand Slam-winning side, who have failed to fire on all cylinders for a full 80 minutes.

After losing the opening game to England they have fought their way to wins over Scotland and Ireland and Thomas says they are keen to continue their improvement.

"Although we have won two out of the three games we have only shown glimpses of what we can do without putting in a complete performance," he said.

"While we obviously want to get the win on Friday there's a real determination to show what we can do and put on a good show."

- Will Jones (Newport, Dragons Academy) has been called into the team to replace second row Alun Wyn Jones (Swansea) who has an infection in his arm requiring a minor operation. Pontypridd's Chris Dicomedis comes onto the bench. It will be the first match in 19 consecutive Under 21 internationals Jones has missed.