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Griffiths looking forward to back row battle

In-form back row ace Ollie Griffiths will relish the back row battle with Cardiff Blues on derby day – but has vowed not to be distracted by any talk of a shootout for Wales call-ups.

Griffiths will hope to return to the starting line-up for the big Guinness PRO14 clash at Rodney Parade (kick-off 5.15pm) after being missing last weekend’s clash in Scotland. 

The 23-year-old admits he is looking forward to potentially line-up against a ‘world class’ back row from Blues.

However, he added his focus is purely on helping the Dragons and securing a crucial derby day win – and international hopes will not be in his mindset.

“It should be a good battle. We have got a really strong back row - as have the Blues,” said Griffiths, who has won back-to-back man-of-the-match awards at Rodney Parade.

“They could pick two world class back rows with the likes of Nick Williams, Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins plus Ollie Robinson, who has been playing really well. It’s going to be a big part of the game.

“I went on a summer tour with Ellis (Jenkins) and he is a great player so I am really looking forward to the battle.

“If you look at the back row in Wales the last few years there is so much competition. But fingers crossed I can push on and get involved.

“Playing with the likes of Ross (Moriarty), Aaron (Wainwright), (Nic) Cuddy and the experience of Lewis Evans has been good for me. 

“There is a lot of competition in the back row here and you need to play well.

“I take it game by game, put my best foot forward and play the best rugby I can play. Who gets picked for Wales is not down to me.

“Everybody will look at this game, especially with the international selection in a few weeks, but I don’t want to get caught up in it. I will just play well this week for Dragons and see what happens.”

Griffiths is also hopeful the Dragons will secure a third win of the season to reward improving performance sin recent weeks.

“If we win this game we go three wins from six which is a decent position, especially when you consider we’ve had away games to Leinster and Glasgow,” he said.

“We are positive, in a good place and our defence is coming on well. Hopefully we can put a full performance in.”

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