WING wizards Hallam Amos and Ashton Hewitt have been backed to bring the spark back to the Dragons attack in this afternoon’s Guinness PRO14 opener against Leinster.

The fleet-footed duo will line up on the flanks against the Irish big guns at Rodney Parade (kick-off 3.15pm) after suffering injury frustration in 2016/17.

Amos featured just six times after injuring his left shoulder attempting to score for Wales in the November defeat to Australia while Hewitt last played on New Year’s Day after suffering a concussion against the Ospreys.

The speedsters make a welcome return to the XV this afternoon with the aim of adding a cutting edge to a Dragons attack that scored just 38 tries in 22 games last season. Only Treviso had a worse strike rate.

“It’s massive to have them back because we only had them for six and 12 games last year and if you look at our highlights reel they were involved in all our best moments,” said backs coach Shaun Connor.

“They give us a little bit of X-factor and with defences so well organised these days you need somebody who creates something out of nothing.

“We feel those two, along with people like Zane Kirchner, can create opportunities for us.”

The pair are on the flanks with former Springboks ace Kirchner joining them in the back three against the side he left last summer.

The 33-year-old will also come into the line as a second receiver with Connor backing the 31-times capped full-back to bring the best out of those around him.

“Zane is an excellent attacking threat but having played numerous games for South Africa understands the game,” said the former fly-half.

“The biggest thing that he has brought is his communication skills – he is constantly talking to players around him whether in attack or defence.

“He just sees the game and is almost a coach on the field for us. He has added real value for us as a group.”

The Dragons are hunting a first win since beating Enisei-STM at Rodney Parade in January and are keen to get their new era, with the Welsh Rugby Union calling the shots and head coach Bernard Jackman at the helm, off to a flying start.

Connor is hopeful that a bumper crowd in Newport can give them the edge against Leinster, who have been installed as favourites to take the Scarlets’ PRO14 crown.

“It’d be massive for us, we want to turn Rodney Parade into a fortress and if we can get a big crowd then we would really feel the effects of that,” said the backs coach.

“It’s been said in the past about our supporters being our 16th man, the players certainly feel that and it’s up to us to give the fans something they want to watch.”

The Dragons give debuts to fly-half Gavin Henson and Kirchner while young prospects Max Williams and Jared Rosser, a lock/flanker and wing respectively, are set for bows off the bench.

l More Dragons v Leinster news on page 39