JOSH Navidi doesn't mind if Newport Gwent Dragons fans bring the noise at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon as the Cardiff Blues back row forward expects to be too engrossed to be put off his stride, writes Chris Kirwan.

The 24-year-old from Bridgend has played four regional derbies at Rodney Parade, losing two and winning two.

The majority of captains at the Guinness Pro12 launch said that games in Newport were the most daunting because of the partisan support from the Hazell Terrace but Navidi is unfazed.

He said: "It's not intimidating for me personally because I really don't feel the crowd but my mother and father say it's the worst crowd to listen to and the most horrible!

"It doesn't really affect me and they can't change anything that's happening on the pitch."

Navidi looks set to get the nod at number eight ahead of powerhouse Italy international Manoa Vosawai, reaping the rewards of his switch from flanker.

"I've been getting my hands on the ball more at eight this season instead of sticking my head in ruck," he said. "Getting around the park has given me a bit more time on the ball and I enjoy that.

"When I was younger I played 8 and 6 and it was only when I came to the Blues in the academy and playing for Glamorgan Wanderers that I moved to 7.

"I've been playing a lot of games at 8 and I am happy there. But wherever the Chief (coach Dale McIntosh) puts me, I am happy."

Navidi will join forces with Josh Turnbull and Wales captain Sam Warburton in the back row and he predicts a fierce tussle with scavenging Dragons openside Nic Cudd and in-form blindside James Thomas, a former Wales Under-20s teammate.

"At home and away Nic Cudd was a nightmare. We have got to do a job on him because he has been playing well and will put a bit of pressure on us," said Navidi.

"James Thomas was a really good player at age-grade and has had the chance to progress down there. It's good to see him playing week in week out.

"He's a big boy who is a good carrier and tackler. He puts his weight around the field and has been playing well.

"With the Dragons you know that they are going to be gritty at the breakdown so we have to front up and do a job."