SCARLETS chief Wayne Pivac believes the display Newport Gwent Dragons gave in Montpellier will almost make them feel like they are going into Judgement Day this weekend on the back of a win.

Like Montpellier coach Jake White, Pivac, whose side face the Dragons at the Principality Stadium on Saturday after Cardiff Blues take on the Ospreys, hailed the Men of Gwent’s performance in France.

And, despite their lowly position in the Guinness Pro12, Kiwi Pivac knows the Dragons are more than capable of derailing the Scarlets’ push for a play-off place.

“They are going to be a tough nut to crack,” said Pivac. “We might think we have a bit of an advantage in terms of fresh legs but the occasion itself will lift them, especially a lot of the guys who haven’t played in this atmosphere before.

“We’re aware of the strengths the Dragons have and what they’ve got as well is a lot of youth.

“With that comes enthusiasm and guys who want to make names for themselves.

“You see it all the time in this sport where a young guy comes up against an international or more recognised player and comes out on top.

“We’re well aware of the threat they pose but we’ve got to focus on our performance and make sure we do the little things right and bring a lot of enthusiasm to the match.”

Reflecting on the Dragons’ display against Montpellier, he added: “I thought their defence, particularly in the first half, was outstanding.

“They came under wave after wave of attack, and you’re talking about some world-class players with a lot of international experience.

“Sometimes in rugby, when you look at the squad you’ve got and the teams you come up against, you can come out of a loss and it’s like a win.

“If you look at the firepower that Montpellier have, and the budget they have compared to the likes of the Dragons and ourselves, to come out with that result, with two tries to one, and the defensive effort they showed, I think you’ve got to say it’s like a win for the Dragons.

“They will take a lot of heart and belief out of it, and it’s all set up for a great derby.

“No disrespect to the Italian sides but I’d probably rather have Zebre or Treviso at home.”

While the Scarlets have lost their last two in the league, the Dragons are looking to end a run of eight successive Pro12 defeats.