AFTER being direct in his plea for big backing from the Rodney Parade faithful against Munster, wing Pat Howard wants to provide plenty of oomph out wide for Newport Gwent Dragons in Saturday's Guinness Pro12 encounter, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 24-year-old South African has made an excellent start to life in Newport after signing from Northampton in the summer.

He scored tries in the pre-season wins against Cardiff Blues and Exeter before crossing the line from a pinpoint Nick Macleod kick against Ulster and finishing powerfully against Zebre.

That was the sole try of a frustrating evening against the Italians and Howard asked for more positivity from the loyal fanbase as the Dragons attempt to improve after a 2015/16 in which they won just four league games.

While some of his comments were a tad naïve given what the long-suffering supporters have sat through, the new boy is hoping that raucous home support can help them over the line against his old side Munster (kick-off 5.15pm).

The former Stormers man lined up in midfield for the Irish province and was signed as a centre by Northampton last season but didn't make an appearance for the Saints.

It was a frustrating spell at Franklin's Gardens but life is happier in Wales with Howard relishing the chance to stretch his legs out wide.

"I came here to get game time and that's happening, it's good to get the chance to score on the wing because it means the team is doing something right," he said.

"(Former director of rugby) Lyn Jones brought me here and saw me as a wing, that plan has spilled over and has worked well," continued Howard.

"The physicality and go-forward in the wide channels is what the coaches are looking for, as well as a defensive presence. We are still building as a team and those opportunities to roam will come."

Howard will lock horns with a former side on Saturday after spending three months at Munster in 2014/15, making his debut in their 38-12 win at Rodney Parade.

"I'm very excited," he said. "I know what Munster do and I know the defence coach Jacques Nienaber from the Stormers, so that will be familiar for me.

He continued: "You can't let them in the game. They kick a lot and don't play in their half, so we've got to let them kick it to us, run it back and starve them of possession. We've got to be brave."

And the Dragons know they must combine that attacking mindset with accuracy after blowing a series of promising positions against Zebre.

"There's been frustration but the positives are that there are things that we can work on, it's not as if Zebre blew us out of the water. They didn't in any respect," said Howard.

"We were our own worst enemy. It's now just a case of making sure we don't make 12 turnovers in the opposition's 22, because you can't get anywhere like that.

"To have won the game after making that many turnovers is a good sign that we are at least in the 22 creating opportunities. Now it's just a case of finishing them."