THE Dragons are enjoying some rough stuff on the training paddock in a bid to earn a Guinness PRO14 top spot, writes Chris Kirwan.

Only winless Southern Kings currently have a worse record than the Rodney Parade region in the league but Bernard Jackman’s men are leading the way when it comes to the driving lineout.

Wales hooker Elliot Dee’s try count of eight in all competitions this season indicates its effectiveness and lock Rynard Landman wants to keep thriving from close range.

The South African will call the lineouts in the absence of captain Cory Hill and wants to reap the rewards of rough and tumble against Glasgow tomorrow (kick-off 7.35pm).

“We are leading try scorers from mauls in the league and if we can keep going and get one more per game I am sure we can end on top,” said Landman. “It’s a good measure for us and we haven’t conceded many either.

“We got stuck into each other on Tuesday morning – as was shown by a cut on my head! – and that’s the only way to train, going full-on to get the fine details and angles right.

“We get stuck into each other and that carries onto the field on a weekend… there’s no ref on a Tuesday so there are free shots!

“We want to make the power points a strong aspect of our game – scrum penalties [that lead to] kicks at goal and driving lineouts.”

While Hill is concentrating on toppling England at Twickenham, Landman will join forces with Joe Davies in the boilerhouse.

The 22-year-old from Caldicot has managed to avoid the iinjuries that blighted the early parts of his career to enjoy a breakthrough season.

“Joe is an up and coming star who has been playing well. He is a physical fella and is strong in the gym and on the field,” said 31-year-old Landman.

“We want to build a little partnership and I think we go well together because he is a tight player, a hard grinder who hits rucks while I like to run with the ball a bit.

“We complement each other nicely and Joe is clever at the lineout in attack and defence with the work that he does off the field.

“He wants to learn and has been quality this year. He is putting in big hits and fronting up.”

And Landman knows that the duo will have to be on their guard this weekend against a Glasgow side in fine form in the PRO14 under their new boss.

“I played against the Chiefs when Dave Rennie was coaching over there and they were a quality outfit and he is a quality coach,” said the former Cheetahs forward.

“Glasgow keep the ball alive and are always asking questions at ruck time while they have a good set piece and strong runners outside.”