SEVEN years and two months after making his Test debut, Hallam Amos will make his first Six Nations start.

The 26-year-old from Monmouthshire will line up on the left wing against Ireland at Principality Stadium tomorrow, a beneficiary of Liam Williams' reckless red card for the Scarlets and Josh Adams' irresponsible coronavirus breach.

Classy footballer Amos, who left the Dragons for Cardiff Blues in 2019, will win his 23rd cap.

He has played at two World Cups yet has never started in the Six Nations with his sole appearance coming as a replacement against Italy in Rome two years ago.

Amos made his Test bow against Tonga in 2013 and looked set to establish himself in the squad when he started all three Tests against the All Blacks in New Zealand in 2016.

Yet Warren Gatland suggested full-back was his best position, questioning the then Dragons man’s top-end speed at Test level, and he continued to be something of a bit-part player on the international stage.

Penarth Times: Hallam Amos in action against Ireland in a World Cup warm-upHallam Amos in action against Ireland in a World Cup warm-up

Amos, who played for Wales at the 2018 Commonwealth Games sevens, has to grasp this unexpected chance.

"He has got a little bit of x-factor," said Wales head coach Wayne Pivac, who has selected George North in midfield in the absence of Jonathan Davies, who has been ruled out of the game against Scotland.

"He showed in the game for the Blues against the Scarlets a couple of weeks ago that he is good in the air - he was probably the best in the air on that day.

"Hallam is a solid, all-round player with a good skill set who has got a bit of experience now.

"He will go out ther and give his all. With a couple of suspensions and a couple of injuries this is a big opportunity, one that he is really looking forward to."

Amos is joined in the XV by fellow former Dragons Dan Lydiate and Taulupe Faletau.

Three current Dragons are on the bench - hooker Elliot Dee, tighthead Leon Brown and on-loan Saracens centre Nick Tompkins - alond with Rodney Parade-bound lock Will Rowlands.