AFTER being fired up by the prospect of being history-makers in Dublin, Newport Gwent Dragons know that they must not slip when hosting Connacht on Sunday says centre Pat Leach.

The Dragons upset the odds last Sunday when they beat Guinness Pro12 champions Leinster 16-14 on their own patch – the region's first ever win in the Irish capital.

But there was no indulging in too much of the league sponsor's product – and not just because of the late-night flight back to Wales.

The Dragons know all about the importance of following up a fine success rather than basking in its glory after twice failing in the first half of the season, losing to Newcastle after beating Stade Francais and suffering a derby loss to Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade after triumphing in the capital.

The signs were more encouraging last month when they enjoyed a better time in Europe, backing up a win against the Falcons by beating the Parisians.

Leach, scorer of the Dragons' try in Dublin, said: "Lyn (Jones, director of rugby) brought up in a team meeting that we had never won at Leinster and that the last time they had lost at the RDS was 2013 against the Ospreys. That motivated us and it's up there with our biggest wins.

"The previous stats made it a special win and it's great for belief but we need to back it up against Connacht at home or it won't mean too much.

"It was great to win out there and be part of a bit of history and we beat them at their own game, keeping them in their 22 with Jason Tovey hitting the corners well.

"Connacht will have a bit more line speed whereas Leinster sat off us in defence, so we have to be direct in our attacking play."

The Dragons have won five and lost six at Rodney Parade this season and were hammered 24-8 by Connacht in last season's fixture in Newport.

"Our confidence is up after Leinster so we need a good performance for the fans at home," said Leach.