THE Dragons have been picking the brains of fellow hotel guests the Ospreys in their bid to end their Guinness PRO14 away nightmare.

The two regions are on a South African double-header and have both been staying in the same location in Cape Town this week.

The Dragons are preparing to face the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday (kick-off 6.35pm) after drawing with the Southern Kings last weekend while the Ospreys are hoping to complete a double in Port Elizabeth on Friday.

The Liberty Stadium side gave their hopes of Champions Cup qualification a shot in the arm with a 31-14 win at Free State Stadium, with tries from Dan Evans, Olly Cracknell, Justin Tipuric and Cory Allen.

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Dragons boss Ceri Jones and his management team have been tapping into the knowledge of their western counterparts as they plot towards a first PRO14 victory on the road in four years.

"We watched the Cheetahs play the Ospreys as a coaching group - as well as a number of other games involving the Cheetahs – so we've learned a lot and know to expect," said Jones.

"We actually have the Ospreys staying in our team hotel in Cape Town so there is plenty of opportunity to exchange thoughts on our South African hosts and the games over here.

"We keep bumping into each other around the hotel and there are plenty of smiles – it's a good environment and nice to see some familiar faces so far away from home.

"We've taken the decision not to train with them, as they are a day ahead of us in terms of preparation, but we are both using the excellent training facilities at Western Province to get ready for the next round of games. There is certainly a little slice of Wales in Cape Town at the moment."

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The Dragons were disappointed to have to settle for a share of the spoils against their fellow strugglers last weekend, although it took a 78th minute penalty by Josh Lewis to earn an 18-18 draw at the Kings.

A high error count and bombed chances led to the region failing to end their long wait for a win on the road.

"We've watched the Kings match back and I still feel we played lots of good running rugby in the game," said Jones, who team's tries were scored by centre Adam Warren and replacement full-back Jordan Williams.

"Looking back now, it definitely should have been a decisive win for us, but we can't change that and the focus is now on Cheetahs and we're all looking forward to that test.

"They are a dangerous team, no doubt about it, and will be looking to respond to the defeat to the Ospreys.

"They are similar to the Kings in that they like an offloading game, to play fast and will try to keep the ball in play for huge lengths of time. The back three are a danger again.

"The Cheetahs also are a real threat at the lineout, have a big pack of forwards and we will have to match that physicality.

"It's the case with any South African side and Saturday is no different - we must front up.

"We've got a good week of preparation planned in Cape Town and can really take that momentum into the weekend.

"It's been an excellent trip and I've been thrilled by the attitude and application so far.

"We had a tight group of boys before the tour, but if anything we have come closer by spending this time together."