NEWPORT Gwent Dragons expect to go up a gear when they lock horns with the Scarlets at Rodney Parade tomorrow evening (kick-off 7pm), writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons started their pre-season campaign with a 48-12 success against Nottingham of the English Championship in Ystrad Mynach last weekend.

They now take on two Welsh rivals – Scarlets at home before Cardiff Blues in the capital a week on Saturday – as they prepare for their Guinness Pro12 opener at Connacht.

Head coach Kingsley Jones believes derby clashes should ensure the intensity rises.

He said: “It’s never friendly against a Welsh region! It’s a pre-season game and on Tuesday Nic Cudd was already asking whether he would be playing as a former Scarlet.

“But ultimately it’s a chance to prepare for Connacht. A lot of hard work has gone in over the last 10 weeks so players need to be rewarded with an opportunity to show us what they can do.

“Some players we need to see play, others need to play to get up to scratch and combinations – centres, half-backs, back row – are important.

“The Cardiff Blues game is where we start looking for more continuity and game time on field for certain people.”

Captain Rhys Thomas wants his charges to show the fruits of a hard summer on the training paddock.

“It’s an important game after a good start against Nottingham,” said the hooker.

“It’s another chance to work on the things we have done in training under more pressure and intensity to see if we can keep our heads.

“It’s that time of year, everyone wants to put their hand up and play after all the hard work.”

There will be a family fun day before the Scarlets friendly, starting at 5pm on the training pitch at Rodney Parade.

Youngsters can enjoy rugby skills camps, a Glamorgan Cricket fun zone, golf, tennis and bouncy castles along with post-match interviews with Dragons players and coaches.

The Friends of Newport Rugby beer festival is also taking place on Friday and Saturday with 27 ales and ciders.