DRAGONS boss Bernard Jackman has told his players that they must right Belfast wrongs against Ulster at Rodney Parade this evening.

The Guinness PRO14 clash in Newport (kick-off 7.35pm) provides the opportunity for revenge after a 52-25 hammering when the sides met at Kingspan Stadium in September.

Last weekend the Dragons failed to show signs of improvement when being doubled by Leinster, who added a 54-10 Dublin win to their 39-16 opening round success, and Jackman has demanded more on their return to home soil.

Just nine of the players from the squad that featured in Northern Ireland are involved tonight but the head coach wants to earn the respect of the Ulstermen.

“If you look at our home performances this season we have been really competitive with some really good play,” said Jackman.

“After a very difficult night in Ireland [last week] we have challenged each other to be better. The response earlier in training was really positive and now we’ve got to make sure we get to the right pitch emotionally to perform.

“It’s the second game that we’ve gone against the same opposition this season. Against Leinster we didn’t right any wrongs and we have a chance to correct that this week and show we are a far better side than we were at Ulster.”

Jackman rang the changes to give fringe players a chance in Belfast and it ended in an eight-try humbling.

“It gave people the opportunity to play at the highest level. Some of those players took it, others didn’t,” said the head coach.

“This season I had to give everyone a fair crack. When we look at the stats at the end of the year and how much game time everyone had, I don’t think anybody will be able to say they didn’t have sufficient game time to prove their point.”

The management team are unable to respond to the Leinster disappointment with a raft of changes because of a long injury list and the absence of their Wales internationals.

Jackman, who makes just three alterations to his XV from the Royal Dublin Society, says those that take to the Rodney Parade field have to be grateful for a shot at redemption.

“It’s the same squad, which gives them the chance to rectify some wrongs. Often when you play that badly you don’t get another crack for a long time,” he said.

“By nature of where we are at with injuries and call-ups most of the same group get a chance to play again. It’s a big test of their character and hopefully we will see a positive response.”