NICKY Smith is poised for his second cap against New Zealand on Saturday and the burgeoning Wales loosehead believes he will soon be joined on the Test scene by some Newport Gwent Dragons pals, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 20-year-old Ospreys prop has enjoyed a rapid rise that will see him back up Paul James against the world champions because of Gethin Jenkins' hamstring strain.

Smith was featured in a strong Wales Under-20s pack in June's Junior World Championship and made his Test debut for Warren Gatland's seniors as a replacement against Fiji last weekend.

Bath's James is not available against South Africa next weekend because the fixture is outside of the IRB Test window, so the youngster looks set to end the autumn with three caps to his name as a reward for a super start to the season at the Liberty Stadium.

"It's been a bit crazy," he admitted. "I was in the under-20s squad for the Junior World Championship and less than a year later I'm representing the senior team. So it's been really quick, but I'm enjoying it."

Smith has made the next step and his Wales Under-20s front row colleague Elliot Dee can count himself unfortunate to have not also received Gatland's call after a super start to the campaign with the Dragons.

But it's surely a matter of when not if the hooker makes it onto the Test scene along with the Rodney Parade region's promising centres Jack Dixon and Tyler Morgan.

"We finished seventh at the Junior World Championship but with the talent we had that shouldn't have been the case," said Smith.

"With the likes of Elliot, Jack and Tyler, pretty soon they'll all be coming up as well and knocking on the door."