NEWPORT Gwent Dragons tighthead Lloyd Fairbrother is relishing the chance to test himself against Wales' best when he locks horns with the Scarlets' all-international front row this evening.

The 25-year-old Cornishman, who qualifies for Wales courtesy of his mother from Blaenavon, has been preferred to influential South African Brok Harris for the Judgement Day clash (kick-off 5.15pm).

That is a vote of confidence after something of a breakthrough season for the popular prop and he will have to pick up where he left off after being called from the bench last weekend to steady the set piece against a hefty Zebre pack.

The Scarlets have a front row that all starred in the Six Nations in Rob Evans, Ken Owens and Samson Lee with their international teammate Jake Ball providing plenty of bulk from the second row.

"It will be a good test for us to see where we are at. We had a tough test last week in Zebre, that's for sure, and we have done a few things in training to sort a few problems out," said Fairbrother.

"It's probably the most exciting event of the year. We play at some big stadiums but the Principality Stadium packed with over 60,000 should be really good. I'm sure the boys will be up for it, the atmosphere will be brilliant."

It will be Fairbrother's third Judgement Day appearance but the first time that he has worn 3 on his back rather than 18.

The prop is still behind Harris in the pecking order but has put in a number of strong displays this season and the improvements he has made around the pitch mean head coach Kingsley Jones and forwards boss Ceri Jones have more of a headache.

"I am enjoying it this season. It was quiet last year but I've been on the bench quite a bit with a few starts," said Fairbrother, who will make his 23rd outing today after featuring just 12 times in 2016/17.

"The coaches are looking for an all-round game from me with a physical game, no missed tackles and getting the set piece solid. If I can get all that together then I can be pushing Brok for the start.

"Towards the end of last season the coaches said that, as a pack not just individuals, they want us a lot more mobile and fitter.

"I am slightly lighter, at the end of last season I was around 125kg and I'm down to 119kg, but can get around the pitch a lot more. It's definitely paid dividends and it's easier running around!

"Brok has got one of the best defensive games of our pack so I want to match that and do better, making big hits and not missing one-on-ones because at this level they lead to tries.

"When I've had my opportunities in the past I maybe missed or slipped off tackles then was back on the bench, so it's trying to get that all-round game and locking down the set piece."

Fairbrother joined from Exeter in the summer of 2014 and has made Blaenau Gwent home.

The tighthead is still young in propping years but with Leon Brown and Christian Coleman coming through the ranks knows he has to push on.

He said: "I can't remember my age now, 23, 24 or 25ish?! I'll have to check, I'm Cornish and we've got two passports!

"But I'm fairly young for a prop and still learning from the likes of Brok and Rhys Thomas. Around 80 per cent of it is mental toughness with scrumming and then there is the conditioning and tricks you learn on the way.

"I am still coming through but there are some young boys behind us and looking at them in the gym, they are big boys! They are on the protein shakes while I was on pasties and bacon rolls!

"But there are some good props coming through and that is good because it keeps you focused. If you slip up then they are in."