DRAGONS duo Lennon Greggains and Ed Scragg have been called into the Wales Under-20s pack for their Six Nations clash with Italy in Mantova on Sunday (kick-off 2pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

Flanker Greggains slots in at blindside after missing the opening weekend loss to world champions France in Vannes while recovering from a hamstring injury while lock Scragg steps up from the bench.

Three Dragons are retained in the XV with Aneurin Owen and Deon Smith lining up at centre and wing respectively while Taine Basham continues at number eight after carrying hard against Les Bleuets.

Three Rodney Parade prospects are among the replacements – hooker Will Griffiths, prop Tom Devine and scrum-half Dafydd Buckland.

Centre Tom Hoppe, who made his Under-20s debut after impressing with Bedwas, misses out through injury with Cardiff Blues’ Max Llewellyn replacing him.

Captain Tommy Reffell is also sidelined after taking a blow with Greggains taking the Leicester flanker’s spot and hooker Dewi Lake taking over as skipper. Scragg slots in for Jac Price, who is suspended because of a dangerous tackle.

South Wales Argus: RETAINED: Dragons wing Deon SmithRETAINED: Dragons wing Deon Smith

Head coach Gareth Williams was encouraged by the performance in the 32-10 loss to France, who led just 17-10 at the break. He wants more of the same as Wales try to avenge last year's 18-7 loss to Italy in Colwyn Bay.

"We've been keen to keep an element of consistency to our squad, but some changes have been forced upon us with Tommy Reffel's injury and Jac Price's suspension," said Williams.

"It was a great measure of where we are last week against the world champions, and the challenge for us this week is to replicate the intensity we mustered for 60 minutes against France.

" There are certain scenarios we need to control more effectively, and Italy will be a confident group following an excellent performance and result against Scotland.

"We remember our loss last year at home, and know the challenges keep coming in this Six Nations.

“It is our ambition to keep improving our processes. There were aspects we were very happy with on the weekend, and certain areas we need to increase our efficiency.

"Dewi Lake will be an excellent captain in what will be his first outing with this honour.

"He and fly half Cai Evans have acted as key leaders in our early preparation and for the first game against France."

Wales Under-20s: Ioan Davies (Cardiff Blues), Tomi Lewis (Scarlets), Max Llewellyn (Cardiff Blues), Aneurin Owen (Dragons), Deon Smith (Dragons), Cai Evans (Ospreys), Jamie Hill (Cardiff Blues), Rhys Davies (Ospreys), Dewi Lake (Ospreys, captain), Ben Warren (Cardiff Blues), Ed Scragg (Dragons), Teddy Williams (Cardiff Blues), Lennon Greggains (Dragons), Jac Morgan (Aberavon/Scarlets), Taine Basham (Dragons).

Replacements: Will Griffiths (Dragons), Tom Devine (Dragons), Kemsley Mathias (Scarlets), Iestyn Rees (Scarlets), Ellis Thomas (Llanelli), Dafydd Buckland (Dragons), Sam Costelow (Leicester), Joe Roberts (Scarlets).