THE Dragons will ring the changes for Friday's daunting Guinness PRO14 encounter with Ulster in Belfast.

The Rodney Parade region will prepare for the trip to Kingspan Stadium (kick-off 7.35pm) with a spring in their step courtesy of last Friday's superb 21-8 victory against Connacht, a first success since January that brought to an end a 14-game losing streak.

However, head coach Bernard Jackman is ready to tinker with his XV for the encounter with unbeaten Ulster after placing a heavy load on several key players in rounds one to three.

Props Brok Harris and Leon Brown, hooker Elliot Dee, lock Cory Hill, back row forwards Harri Keddie and James Benjamin, fly-half Gavin Henson, centre Tyler Morgan, wings Hallam Amos and Ashton Hewitt and full-back Zane Kirchner started against Leinster, Edinburgh and Connacht.

Morgan (ribs) and Kirchner (shoulder), as well as replacement wing Jared Rosser (hip), were all forced off last week with injuries and Jackman is prepared to keep his powder dry for the round five home encounter with Southern Kings.

He is set to give a chance for others, including some individuals who have previously been key players, to force their way back into the fold.

"I would imagine we need to freshen things up and we have quality players who haven't played yet this year so it's a chance to for them to stick their hand up," said backs coach Shaun Connor.

"They are constantly knocking on Bernard's door asking why they are not playing so I am sure they will get an opportunity on Friday.

"For us to be strong, we need a strong squad – the days of 15 to 18 players being enough are long gone so we need to build strength in depth.

"We will find out next week if some players are going to add to that depth."

The Dragons played some scintillating rugby to lead 21-3 at half-time courtesy of tries for wing Amos and hooker Dee.

However, the injuries led to a disjointed back line with scrum-half Sarel Pretorius on the wing and fly-half Dorian Jones in midfield.

"Our back line was mangled," said Connor. "The injuries disrupted our attack but defensively we were heroic. We probably made close to 200 tackles in that game, which is a phenomenal number.

"First half, some of our attack was outstanding and the first try was as good as you will see.

Second half, because of the nature of our injuries, the defence was heroic.

"First half, attack coach really happy. Second half, defence coach really happy."

The Dragons were roared on by a passionate home crowd against Connacht and Connor hopes to give them plenty more to cheer against the Kings a week on Saturday.

"The crowd were outstanding, and it was the same against Leinster," said the former fly-half.

"We didn't really given them enough to cheer against Leinster but against Connacht the players' passion and pride was probably inspired by the crowd.

"You could see after 60 minutes that the singing took us to another level, so hopefully they will keep coming.

"If we keep performing like that and showing that spirit then I am sure more will come and that benefits everyone and will inspire us to put in performances."

Ulster have started the season with victories against the Cheetahs and the Scarlets at Ravenhill and Treviso in Italy.

The Dragons haven't won away in the PRO14 since triumphing at Treviso in March, 2015 while their only success in Belfast was 16-14 in September, 2008.