DANNY Wilson says Cardiff Blues will have to overcome a tenacious, dogged Newport Gwent Dragons to take the Boxing Day derby spoils in the capital.

The former hooker, who was forwards coach at Rodney Parade between 2010 and 2012 before leaving for the Scarlets, has been impressed by what he has seen from his old team.

While the Dragons head to Cardiff on the back of eight away losses this season, they have won their last five in Newport.

“The Dragons have played some good stuff recently,” said the Blues head coach. “The Edinburgh game was impressive and they have shown how dangerous they can be at home.

“Maybe they haven’t picked up the results they would want but I am fully aware that they will come extremely motivated and well organised.

“There will be contact area threats that we have to deal with and a very dogged approach to the game.”

Wilson is a Dragons old boy and will be going up against former Blues players Rhys Thomas, Sam Hobbs, Thomas Davies, Cory Hill, Matthew Screech and Tavis Knoyle.

He said: “There six in the 23, which adds extra spice and I am sure they will be keen to come back to the Arms Park and perform, but ultimately it’s about us performing to our potential.”