Wing Deon Smith is hoping to provide the firepower to send Wales to World Rugby Under-20 Championship glory – and push his claims at Dragons at the same time.
Dragons Academy star Smith was the last action hero for Wales in the stunning Six Nations win over England earlier this year.
The Pontypool based back will be hoping to repeat those heroics after Wales Under-20s flew out to Argentina for the showpiece finals that start in June.
And the 19-year-old knows a strong campaign in South America would also be the perfect way to push for more involvement with senior set-up at Rodney Parade after he grabbed a try in the friendly victory over Russia last season.
“I suppose the late try against England is one to keep in the memory bank to look back on,” smiled Smith.
“I think it’s good to have the exposure to the higher levels, it’s a good way to ease into the professional set up.
“Games like the Russia friendly game is good to be involved with the senior squad and then coming up to the national camps where you learn a lot more from elsewhere as well. You get a good mix of rugby across all of it.
Smith – who predominately plays on the wing but can also operate in the centre – acknowledges the talent out wide for Dragons means there is real competition for any spot.
However, for inspiration he need look no further than regional team-mate Jared Rosser who has come up through the age grades to cement a first team spot.
“Every week you go into Dragons there’s always someone or something to keep you pushing yourself to the limit,” he said.
“I think Jared is a prime example of how you start at your local rugby clubs, progress through the age grade system and then earn your right rather than coming straight in.
“You look at the season last year, he proves what’s about in our area and what he’s capable of doing.
“Any sort of winger coming through the system would look at him and think that’s the route you’d like to take. He’s definitely someone you want to try to follow and keep on the same progression paths.
“My main focus at the moment is next month (with Wales) and then hopefully if that goes well I can put my hand up for whatever else.
“You’d like to say you make your debut but you focus on what you’ve done in the week and see how far you can get.”
Smith believes his game has moved up a level with his involvement with Wales Under-20s this season.
And the next challenge is to play a leading role as the team look to make a big impact in Argentina.
“I’ve learned endless things,” said the former Cross Keys College pupil.
“It’s a completely different to what you’re used to, what you do week in, week out, and coming into a camp like this you learn lots of different techniques from different clubs. As well as growing as a person, you grow more as a player.
“It’s a good exposure and to have the experience under your belt to go into your next stages.
“It’s a new experience for me, I’ve never been to Argentina before,” he added.
“I think everybody will go in with the same chance and once you’re out there you do the jobs and, touch wood everything goes the right way. I think we are in with as good a shout as anyone else.
“We’ve definitely got the group of boys we need to go in and get the success out there. So it’s putting it all together and getting it done.”
And Smith has pinpointed the opening clash with hosts Argentina as pivotal to Wales and their chances of success.
“They’ll be fired up for that one, they’re not going to want to disappoint in front of the home crowd,” smiled Smith.
“I think that’s something, as Welsh boys, we almost live off, thrive off, it’s that extra bit of pressure.
“Both countries are very proud of what they’ve got so it makes for a very good contest between us starting off.
“I think it sets up the World Cup, if we get a good result there first, then we know that we’re in for a good ride. At the same time, they’re not going to want to disappoint.
“It’s a big one to start with and definitely a big focus for us is getting that first ‘W’ once we’re out there.”
Every week you go into Dragons there’s always someone or something to keep you pushing yourself to the limit...
