NEWPORT Gwent Dragons wing Hallam Amos looks to cap off a “whirlwind” last few weeks by helping his side pull of a huge win at Bordeaux-Bègles this week as they seek to make the last eight of the Amlin Challenge Cup, writes Iwan Gabe Davies.

The 19-year-old Cardiff University medical student provided just what the doctor ordered on Friday night with an impressive try-scoring performance for the region in their 40-24 bonus point victory over the French Top 14 side.

It means their quest to reach the Amlin Challenge Cup quarter-finals for only the second time was given a huge shot in the arm.

It’s make or break for the Dragons again on Thursday night when they travel to the South of France for the return fixture at the Stade André Moga.

A rare victory on the continent would set them up beautifully for what could be a winner takes all encounter when group leaders Bath come to Rodney Parade in January.

Amos has enjoyed a hectic last few weeks after winning his first cap in Wales’ 17-7 over Tonga at the Millennium Stadium last month when he enjoyed an accomplished Test debut.

Speaking about Friday night’s impressive triumph over Bordeaux-Bègles, the Dragons scoring five tries with some superb and clinical rugby, he said: “Our attack really clicked and it was great to take advantage of a nice, dry Rodney Parade surface and a real achievement to score 40 points against a side like that

“We did miss a few tackles and defensively we’ll be looking to tighten up for our visit to France which is going to be a very big game for us.

“This is a competition which excites us and it’s going to be a big challenge travelling to them and playing in front of a French crowd with their intense and vocal support.”

The former Monmouth School student was millimetres short of celebrating his international bow with a try after the television match official adjudged he was in touch crossing the Tonga line.

The Stockport-born Amos said: “It has been a whirlwind last few weeks for me and I couldn’t believe it when I got called up by Wales.

“I’m really pleased my first cap came this quickly and it was a great occasion for my family too – I think my sister cried a little when the anthem was playing.”

And he revealed he will have little time for festivities this Christmas as he aims to make up for lost time with his college work as well as prepare for a busy schedule on the field which sees the Dragons take on their closest rivals the Cardiff Blues twice in under a week.

“I have to juggle a few balls up in the air at the same and I’m lucky at university because I’ve got friends who take notes for me and help me,” he said.

“But it’s going to be tough this Christmas because I’ve got to catch up with my studies.”