PAT Lam has told Newport Gwent Dragons that they are on the right track after masterminding Connacht's rise to the top of the Guinness Pro12 that has given hope to opposite number Lyn Jones.

The former Samoa and New Zealand number eight is a shoo-in for Pro12 coach of the year after spearheading a title challenge at the Sportsground.

The men from Galway went to the top of the league with a bonus-point 26-21 victory in Newport on Thursday night, a win that secured a third double on the spin against the Dragons.

They had to dig deep but recorded a ninth Pro12 success of the season and there is no doubt they are now genuine contenders for the play-offs with more established clubs.

The unfashionable Irish province have enjoyed success by mixing a group of determined young players with a smattering of quality overseas recruits such as Bundee Aki, a leading candidate for player of the season.

And Lam, who as a player enjoyed a rather different method to glory when big-spending Newcastle won the English title in 1998, believes the Dragons can follow their lead.

"They are similar to us in that they are bringing through young guys," he said. "Everyone is looking for signings but the Dragons are around a year behind us and you build a culture and you build a group.

"There is a core group that have been at the Dragons now and you can see in their intensity that they are a tightknit bunch.

"There is a lot of endeavour but the biggest thing they have improved is their attacking game. We got exposed a fair few times and they are playing really good rugby."

Director of rugby Jones cut a frustrated figure afterwards, exasperated by a lengthy injury list that has left his squad stretched to the limit.

Dragons supporters are used to being told that there is light at the end of the tunnel and that short-term pain equals long-term gain but Jones believes that Thursday's victors show that his side can become top-half contenders.

"What Connacht are demonstrating is that there is hope for us because they have entered into a similar plan, they've invested into their youth and made some very good overseas signings," he said.

"They are well drilled, are getting things right and are confident now, it just gives hope that there is something around the corner for us.

"I am very optimistic after the performance, the result is obviously disappointing but as a coach you have to look deeper. We looked organised, we looked enthusiastic and we were positive.

"I was looking at our team beforehand and (in the backs) there's no Dorian (Jones), there's no (Hallam) Amos, there's no (Jack) Dixon, there's no Tyler (Morgan), there's no (Tom) Prydie, there's no (Carl) Meyer.

"At least we are trying to play. All we can do is keep working hard and keep our noses to the ground."