FORWARDS coach Ceri Jones has demanded that his Newport Gwent Dragons pack respond to a humbling afternoon in Italy when they lock horns with the Scarlets’ Wales internationals at Judgement Day, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons head into the regional double-header on the back of a chastening 29-14 defeat at Zebre in the Guinness PRO12 when they were outmuscled at the set piece by their hosts in Parma.

The scrum and lineout has been solid on the whole this season and Jones knows that a big improvement will be needed against players used to playing in front of a packed Principality Stadium.

Last weekend the Scarlets named an all-Wales front row of Rob Evans, Ken Owens and Samson Lee in their thumping win against Treviso with international teammate Jake Ball packing down in the second row behind them.

Zebre boasted a healthy contingent of Italy Test players but the forwards boss has demanded a response from his charges.

“It was a really disappointing game, especially for the pack because we came second best to a Zebre outfit who are good up front,” said Jones.

“We improved as the game went on and solved a few issues but I was disappointed with it. We have to address that and put it right this weekend.

“The Scarlets have 1 to 4 of the Wales front five, so we know what is coming at us and it’s down to us to go out there and perform. It doesn’t get bigger than this as far as our boys are concerned and they have worked really hard this week, now we hope to put it out on the field.”

Judgement Day presents a chance for Welsh players to stake a claim for a place in Robin McBryde’s squad for the summer Tests against Samoa and Tonga.

The interim boss is sure to have a close look at flanker Ollie Griffiths and five-times capped lock Cory Hill up front while centre Tyler Morgan has a chance to force his way back into the fold.

Strong performances from the likes of loosehead Sam Hobbs, who has had a strong first season at Rodney Parade, and promising back row forward Harri Keddie could also give McBryde and his staff food for thought.

“It’s a huge game for these fellas, we are going to try and get as big a Welsh contingent as possible and it’s like a trial game for them,” said Jones.

“They want to shine on this stage and it’s down to us to give them the opportunity to do that. This game is a chance for people to put their hand up and Robin to have a look at them.

“We think we have some pretty good individuals here and some good youngsters coming through, so it’s down to them to put their hands up and put a big performance in on a big stage, because that’s what internationals are.”

The Dragons have not won in the PRO12 since beating Treviso at Rodney Parade on January 6 and are nervously looking over their shoulder at the Italian duo.

However, ninth-placed Edinburgh are also within striking distance and the management have stressed the need to finish with a flourish.

“We have spoken to the players about trying to have a good run-in and trying to be better than last year when we won four games,” said Jones.

“We are capable of doing that with this game, Cardiff Blues and away to Edinburgh, who are around us in the league. They are all big opportunities.”