GAMES involving Ulster are frequently won by a South African but to Newport Gwent Dragons' delight it wasn't Ruan Pienaar who was the match-winner at Rodney Parade.

Carl Meyer, from Pietermaritzburg near Durban, made an accomplished Guinness Pro12 debut for the region against the title hopefuls last Sunday.

The 23-year-old may have been in the unfamiliar position of full-back but the Ebbw Vale centre impressed with a solid display under the high ball and when putting his booming right boot to good use.

However, it was his finishing ability that proved to be key in the 26-22 win when, seconds after Hallam Amos had sent former Springbok Pienaar tumbling with a massive hand-off, Meyer somehow dotted down in the left corner while his body was in the air over the touchline.

"The wingers (Ashton Hewitt and Amos) made my job easy for the try and I just happened to be in the right place at the right time to get the ball down while trying as hard as I could to elevate my body," he said modestly.

"It was a bit of a change to play full-back but I am up for a challenge and wanted to take my chance with both hands. It was an awesome experience against Ulster and I was just grateful to have the opportunity to play."

Meyer, who was originally a fly-half before moving to inside centre, came through the Sharks' academy and has been plying his trade in the Principality Premiership with the Steelmen while on a three-year sporting visa.

He has been training with the Dragons and made his regional debut against Exeter in the LV= Cup before being an unused replacement against Connacht.

"It's been a good step up," he said. "The physicality and intensity is a big jump but one that I have really enjoyed.

"It's a bit of a change going from club rugby where you are just training on Tuesday and Thursday nights to being in every day.

"But all the coaches have helped me with my skills and all aspects of my game, which I think has really helped me to improve."

Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones has watched Meyer's progress at his former club Ebbw and believes the South African's work ethic gives him every chance of making it as a professional.

"Carl has been fabulous in training and is a real student of the game," said Jones. "He is committed and has been coming in first thing at 7am and leaving at 5pm.

"He is serious about trying to be a professional rugby player and that stands him in good stead. Carl has got a good kicking game and his skill set is incredible."