HALLAM Amos knows the return of superstar Leigh Halfpenny means he has to shine on Six Nations debut to stand any chance of facing the world champions.

The 21-year-old Newport Gwent Dragons ace will win his sixth cap in Saturday's tournament finale against Italy in Cardiff.

Amos forced his way into Warren Gatland's XV at the World Cup last year only to suffer a shoulder injury in the stunning win against England at Twickenham.

He has had to wait patiently to earn another shot with Tom James getting the nod against the Irish and Scots before Alex Cuthbert was selected against France and England, picking up a foot injury in an unconvincing display in London.

Amos is part of an exciting back three against the Azzurri, slotting in next to the in-form duo of Liam Williams and George North.

And with Toulon ace Halfpenny making good progress in his recovery from the knee injury that shattered his World Cup dreams, the speedster from Monmouthshire wants to impress ahead of the three-Test tour to New Zealand this summer.

"When you are in that Welsh shirt you never want to let it go and on the back of the Uruguay and England games (at the World Cup) I thought I was in a good place," said Amos, who has kept ticking over by playing three regional games during the tournament.

"Unfortunately with my injury and 'TJ' and 'Cuthy' playing well for Cardiff Blues I wasn't straight back in.

"Hopefully now I can put a marker down and keep my jersey leading into the summer tour when a certain Leigh Halfpenny will be back as well!"

On Tuesday Gatland reiterated that he doesn't feel Amos is "an out-and-out international-quick wing" and that he sees the youngster's long-term future at full-back.

The Dragons man disputes the former – "I feel that I'm quick enough for this level!" – but agrees that 15 may be his natural position.

"I think I will move to full-back in a couple of years but at the moment I am happy on the wing and have played the majority of my senior rugby there. Four of my five caps have been on the wing and I feel comfortable there," said Amos.

Whatever number he has on his back, the Dragons man intends to go hunting for work against an Italy side who have leaked 20 tries this tournament.

"As a back three we've been given licence to get around, work as much as we can and the opportunities will open up hopefully and the spaces will appear," said Amos, who wants to add to his sole Test try scored against Uruguay.