ANDY Powell is confident that his Newport Gwent Dragons back row partnership with Taulupe Faletau and Nic Cudd will give the Scarlets a headache in tomorrow's Guinness Pro12 clash out west, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 33-year-old earned a start at blindside flanker rather than his usual role as a number eight against Treviso last weekend.

Powell joined forces with Wales and Lions ace Faletau and openside Cudd in a 33-15 win against the Italians and the triumvirate have been chosen to go again versus the Scarlets.

"Everybody shared the workload against Treviso and I think that it's a good combination," said Powell.

"Toby is a great athlete, Nic is good on the floor and I think that we have a nice balance, which is key because I know from experience having three similar players doesn't work.

"Lewis Evans is pushing us all hard and the challenge for all of us is to keep our place in the team. I'm lucky enough to have got the nod and it's up to me now."

The Dragons have won just once in Llanelli, a 2007 success at Stradey Park, and have gone three seasons without an away derby win.

The Scarlets start as favourites but Powell believes the men from Rodney Parade have the talent in their ranks to upset the odds.

"The Scarlets have a good mix with an aggressive, physical pack and some good backs," he said.

"They are well-coached and it won't be easy but we are definitely good enough to get the win.

"There will be times when we are under pressure but it's up to us to deal with that and come out the other side. A win against Treviso was vital and now we need to kick on."

The Dragons have plumped for an experienced pack with former Wales internationals Ian Gough and Rhys Thomas returning in at lock and hooker respectively. It means the forwards have an average age of 30.