NEWPORT Gwent Dragons expect a sterner challenge this afternoon when they attempt to repeat last year’s qualification for finals night in the Singha Premiership 7s, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons and Cardiff Blues made it through from the Welsh leg at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park last summer with the hosts sneaking top spot thanks to a controversial late penalty try that salvaged a draw against the men from Rodney Parade.

The Ospreys and Scarlets were brushed aside by the eastern pair but they appear to be taking things more seriously this weekend with the Llanelli side fielding a host of sevens specialists.

The Dragons will be looking for senior figures Geraint Rhys Jones, Dorian Jones, Matthew Pewtner and Ollie Griffiths to lead the charge along with Ebbw Vale’s Luke Crocker, who played for Wales in the European Grand Prix Series this summer, and Newport winger Elliot Frewen, who was one of the stars of last year’s Welsh leg.

The Rodney Parade side would love to once again secure a spot at the Twickenham Stoop after finishing as runners-up to Gloucester following wins against Newcastle and Harlequins in 2014.

“We won’t be thinking about the finals night because I know that the other sides will be strong with heaps of sevens experience,” said coach Nick Wakley.

“There is a lot more focus on sevens at the moment with the Olympics around the corner so I expect a quality tournament.

“We were denied by a horrendous decision last year but the job was done in qualifying. Hopefully we can produce another strong performance this afternoon.”

The top two qualify for the finals night – once again at the Twickenham Stoop – on Friday, August 28. The English rounds take place in Gloucester, Coventry and Newcastle at the end of next week.

Newport Gwent Dragons: Geraint Rhys Jones (captain), Matthew Pewtner, Dorian Jones, Harri Keddie, Ollie Griffiths, Luke Crocker, Owen Williams, Elliot Frewen, Owen Davies, Arwel Robson, Lloyd Lewis, Jonny Lewis.

Playing schedule: 3.15pm Ospreys v Cardiff Blues, 3.40pm Newport Gwent Dragons v Scarlets, 4.10pm Newport Gwent Dragons v Ospreys, 4.35pm Cardiff Blues v Scarlets, 5.05pm Ospreys v Scarlets, 5.30pm Newport Gwent Dragons v Cardiff Blues.