WALES boss Wayne Pivac has spoken to the Dragons about making the most of Aaron Wainwright’s attacking dynamism by switching him with abrasive back row Test teammate Ross Moriarty.

Wainwright returns to the national starting line-up for Saturday’s Autumn Nations Cup clash with Georgia in Llanelli, joining forces with flankers Justin Tipuric and James Botham in the back row.

The 23-year-old from Bassaleg will wear 8 on his back for only the second time in Test rugby with the only other appearance in his 24 caps coming against Uruguay at the World Cup.

Wainwright has played predominantly as a blindside flanker since his rapid rise to the international stage but Pivac believes his dynamism can help him be an alternative to Dragons legend Taulupe Faletau.

The Lions number eight, who showed signs of being back to his best in defeat in Dublin last weekend, is sidelined by a minor knee problem and that gives a chance to another Gwent back rower.

Barry And District News: DYNAMIC: Aaron Wainwright will start at number eight for WalesDYNAMIC: Aaron Wainwright will start at number eight for Wales

“Aaron has got exceptional speed and footwork, which helps at number eight,” said Pivac. “There are a few scrums in the game and times when you need that pressure to be taken off by getting a bit of go-forward.

“He is very good in that aspect of the number eight role and you will find that he will get involved in the game a little bit more.

“Aaron will be a bit closer in terms of the breakdown and getting on the far side, getting his hands on the ball for the next carry to use his footwork.

“We will see a bit more of the skill set that he has in terms of his attacking game.”

It’s that attacking impact that led to Pivac getting in contact with Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan to discuss switching Wainwright with abrasive, confrontational Moriarty.

The jerseys have not yet changed – Moriarty has only ever started in 8 for the region, Wainwright has started there just three times when his international teammate has not been in the XV – but the Wales boss believes the roles can switch.

“We looked at Ross and Aaron and I spoke to Dean Ryan about those guys switching at club level,” said Pivac.

Barry And District News: Ross Moriarty and Aaron Wainwright in action for the DragonsRoss Moriarty and Aaron Wainwright in action for the Dragons

“With the intent that Ross brings to the six jersey, he is the stronger of the two defensively at this stage of their careers.

“But in terms of number eight and the attacking side of the game, Toby was top of most defenders beaten against Ireland with five or six. He can do that with his footwork and acceleration.

“Aaron is a lot younger than Toby and is probably even quicker, so we just think that’s the right thing for him to do at the moment.”

Moriarty is yet to feature this autumn after struggling with an ankle injury.

“Each time he has come back into training to test it again, it hasn’t quite been right,” said Pivac.

“We’re very cautious on that one because we don’t want him to be out any longer than he needs to. It’s just been bad luck for Ross.”

Wainwright is one of five Dragons that will take on Georgia in Llanelli.

Centre Nick Tompkins and hooker Elliot Dee start while tighthead Leon Brown and full-back/wing Jonah Holmes are on the bench.

Former Dragons forwards Sam Parry and Cory Hill are also replacements as Wales attempt to end a six-game losing streak.

Wales: L Williams (Scarlets); J McNicholl (Scarlets), N Tompkins (Dragons), J Williams (Scarlets), L Rees-Zammit (Gloucester); C Sheedy (Bristol), K Hardy (Scarlets); W Jones (Scarlets), E Dee (Dragons), S Lee (Scarlets), J Ball (Scarlets), S Davies (Cardiff Blues), J Botham (Cardiff Blues), J Tipuric (Ospreys, captain), A Wainwright (Dragons).

Replacements: S Parry (Ospreys), N Smith (Ospreys), L Brown (Dragons), C Hill (Cardiff Blues), J Davies (Scarlets), R Webb (Ospreys), I Lloyd (Bristol), J Holmes (Dragons).