WARREN Gatland has lauded Aaron Wainwright's desire for smashing opponents – and has demanded that his Wales charges show the same commitment as the Dragons flanker to claim a series win in Argentina.

The 20-year-old from Bassaleg is not involved against the Pumas in Santa Fe tomorrow evening (kick-off 8.40pm), but that is not a reflection on his summer efforts.

Wainwright earned a spot on the tour courtesy of an injury to Josh Navidi, a reward for a stunning first season as a professional.

The back row forward, who only made his Dragons debut against Cardiff Blues in October, was an unused replacement in the win against South Africa in Washington but came on for a first cap last weekend to make a huge impression in the 23-10 win against the Pumas in San Juan.

Workaholic Wainwright was brought on the field with 52 minutes on the clock and racked up 13 tackles.

That was a tally that only four players – starters Ross Moriarty, Hadleigh Parkes, James Davies and Adam Beard – eclipsed from both sides.

The Dragons flanker misses out tomorrow because of Gatland's pledge to give all his tourists a chance to impress but his cameo has left an impression on the New Zealander.

"Elliot Dee told me that he was speaking to Aaron Wainwright coming onto the field," started Gatland.

"Aaron was saying about having no respect for his own body and just throwing himself into everything and giving 100 per cent.

"As a coach, when you hear that from young players it's great. That's the kind of attitude you're looking for from everyone."

Gatland has warned his charges that the Pumas will be even more fired up after the "embarrassment" of losing to Wales on home soil.

His side won the physical confrontations in San Juan and the head coach wants captain Cory Hill & Co to embrace the collisions.

"When you're playing in big matches and the adrenalin is pumping, you can get a real buzz out of that," said Gatland.

"Just coming off your line and being legal to be violent. You're trying to smash someone and you're trying to hurt them. That's what the guys do.

"So you've got to be in the right mental state to go out there and do that, to deliver. The guys did that, they really fronted up and that was pleasing."

Wainwright misses out with Gatland opting to pair opensides James Davies and Ellis Jenkins either side of Dragons-bound number eight Ross Moriarty, who made a Test career high 26 tackles last week.

Three Rodney Parade players have featured in all three summer Tests with Hill and full-back Hallam Amos earning a hat-trick of starts while hooker Dee, who impressed against a formidable Argentina pack, drops down to the bench to give Ryan Elias a chance.