FLANKER Ollie Griffiths hopes that his captaincy experience with Newport can help him lead Wales Under-20s to glory against their Scottish counterparts on Friday evening.

The 19-year-old openside from Newbridge has been named as skipper for the encounter at Galashiels on Friday evening (kick-off 6pm), replacing lock Rory Thornton who has been released for Ospreys duty in the Guinness Pro12.

Griffiths has big boots to fill after last weekend’s stunning 21-15 success against world champions England in Colwyn Bay.

The flanker is the youngest captain in Newport’s rich history and hopes that his exploits with the Black and Ambers will help him in the Scottish Borders.

“At first it was a bit of a shock being named as Newport captain because I am one of the youngest there but I’ve definitely grown into the role with a lot of help from the senior players,” said Griffiths, who has made four appearances for the Dragons this season.

“I was nervous but fair play to the boys and coaches, they helped me along and gave me confidence and helped me talk a lot more.

“Sven (Cronk, head coach) said at the start of the season that he felt that I led by example on the field but I’d like to think now that I also lead with my communication with the other players on and off the field.”

Griffiths was man of the match in the victory against England and leads a settled line-up.

Ospreys and Bridgend centre Owen Watkin joins Garyn Smith in the midfield with Dragons and Newport speedster Barney Nightingale moving to the left wing while Adam Beard replaces regional teammates Thornton.

Coach co-ordinator Allan Lewis said, "It was a fantastic win over England. The defence was excellent and we really challenged the opposition.

"It gave us a good platform to prepare for this week but we are certainly not underestimating Scotland. They will be bruised after a hard defeat in France, but we know they will be physical and out to prove a point, especially at home.”

Griffiths and Nightingale are joined by regional teammates Luke Garrett, Joe Davies and Harri Keddie at loosehead, lock and number eight respectively while prop Keagan Bale is among the replacements.

Wales Under-20s v Scotland: Dafydd Howells (Ospreys); Joshua Adams (Scarlets), Owen Watkin (Ospreys), Garyn Smith (Blues), Barney Nightingale (Dragons); Dan Jones (Scarlets), Tom Williams (Blues); Luke Garrett (Dragons), Liam Belcher (Blues), Dillon Lewis (Blues), Joe Davies (Dragons), Adam Beard (Ospreys), Tom Phillips (Scarlets), Ollie Griffiths (Dragons), Harrison Keddie (Dragons)

Replacements: Torin Myhill (Scarlets), Keagan Bale (Dragons), Leon Brown (Dragons), Rory Bartle (Gloucester), Jordan Viggers (Blues), Kieran Hardy (Scarlets), James Whittingham (Blues), Rhys Williams (Leicester Tigers)