ASHLEY Smith has called on Newport Gwent Dragons to do another professional job against Bucharest at Rodney Parade to set up two mouth-watering European encounters in January.

The 27-year-old inside centre was one of five try scorers in last Saturday's 37-10 European Rugby Challenge Cup win against the Wolves in freezing conditions Ghencea Stadium.

Something would have to go dramatically wrong for the Dragons to not record another five-point haul on Friday evening, a result that would set up a top-of-the-pool encounter at leaders Newcastle and home clash with Stade Francais in the New Year.

The region did not head to Romania thinking about a bonus point win, especially when they trailed 10-0 early on.

So Smith, the sole survivor of the 2006 team that battled for a 39-29 victory against Bucharest at the same venue , hailed the composure and execution that gives the Dragons a great shot at earning a quarter-final spot.

"Eight years is a long time but since then nobody had won convincingly in Bucharest," said Smith. "We played better this time; we were clinical and did a good job, despite the first 15 minutes.

"It was probably as bad a start as we could have made and it got their tails up a bit but we played well after that. You can get caught up in it a bit because it was a massive game for them but we did a professional job.

"We did a lot of research and their previous six or seven games against big teams were tight so we knew it would be tough but that they'd struggle if we played our game and went through the phases. So it proved.

"Now we have another professional job to do on Friday and build for two big fixtures in January."

The Dragons have used seven starting midfield partnerships this season but Smith and Ross Wardle have been paired together in the last four fixtures.

Jack Dixon made his comeback from a wrist injury for Cross Keys last weekend while Tyler Morgan and Pat Leach are nearing returns from knee injuries, putting the pressure on the pair to keep performing well.

Smith said: "There have been a lot of changes in the backs this year because of injuries so it's good to have been able to play the same partnerships in the centres, half-backs and back three.

"We are looking for continuity but that only comes if you are performing. If we are not winning then Lyn has to make the changes. Perform well and get results then we will give him no choice but to keep the same team."