TIGHTHEAD Dillon Lewis says the large presence of Newport Gwent Dragons prop Leon Brown has helped him become the cornerstone of the Wales scrum in their bid for an Under-20s Six Nations Grand Slam.

The 20-year-old Cardiff Blues front rower will wear 3 on his back for the fifth game on the bounce when Jason Strange's youngsters attempt to make it a clean sweep by beating Italy in Colwyn Bay this evening (FRI) (kick-off 7.05pm).

He has been backed up by Brown against the Irish, Scots, French and English with the Maesglas prop, 19, adding real oomph from the bench and helping to set up wing George Gasson's late winner against Les Bleuets with a delightful pass.

"It's good to have competition with Leon," said Lewis. "It's healthy to have that in training and will only improve us both as players.

"He's had a great season with Cross Keys in the Premiership and won player of the month (for October) so is keeping me on my toes.

"Leon is a year younger than me and I've had experience of the Guinness Pro12 but we are both learning off each other.

"We've got our strengths and our weaknesses, there is no bitterness and we try to help each other out while we are lucky to have Keiron Assiratti nipping at our heels as well."

Wales will need their strength in depth when they head to the World Rugby Under-20s Championship in June.

They have been drawn against Ireland, Georgia and New Zealand and will play five fixtures over a fortnight.