Dragons and Wales forward Michael Owen believes team-mate Luke Charteris will shine against Romania when he makes his first international start on Friday. The 21-year-old lock has not started a match for his region but will replace the injured Brent Cockbain.
Owen told BBC Wales: "He's a cracking player. He hasn't played much rugby at senior level but he's got a lot going for him - he's quick and he's strong.
"He will be fully committed. If he does get a game I'm sure he'll do well."
At 6ft 9in, Charteris is already the second tallest player in Wales' history behind Derwyn Jones.
He impressed after coming off the bench to make his debut against South Africa on Saturday, and Owen feels that experience is one of the few things he is lacking at this stage of his career.
He added: "He's a good player and he's got a big future. He's just got to keep working hard and get some rugby under his belt."
Wales coach Mike Ruddock worked with Charteris during his time in charge of the Dragons, and is also confident in his ability.
"Having coached him and seen him closely week in, week out, I'm aware he's got all the attributes that are required for international rugby," Ruddock said.
"He's not just tall - and he's not just good in the line-out.
"If you analyse his moments in the game against South Africa when he came on as sub, he caught a kick-off, he drove forward, made tackles - and some of his clearing out body positions were the best in the team."
MMIX
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