NEWPORT Gwent Dragons boss Kingsley Jones has declared tonight’s clash in Edinburgh (kick-off 7.35pm) as a battle of “the top two inches” as they attempt to avoid a whitewash on the road, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons haven’t won on their travels in any competition this season while they endured a clean sweep away from home in the Guinness PRO12 in 2015/16.

Jones’ men have one last chance to break their duck away from Rodney Parade against a side who are just one place and two points above them.

The Dragons took heart from a gutsy display in a 21-16 defeat to the title-chasing Scarlets at Judgement Day a fortnight ago and the head coach has demanded that standards don’t slip at Myreside.

“Edinburgh are in the same boat as us and we have to go there and believe we can win,” said Jones.

“We have to bring that application, intensity and belief.

“This is an opportunity to jump above them and I hope the performance doesn’t drop from Principality Stadium.

“Rugby is in the top two inches and we realise the importance of this game. I have been discussing the mental side of things with the other coaches and if there is anything we can say or do to help.

“I was lucky enough to play sport at a decent level and know lots of successful sportsmen and the one thing that they have got is mental strength. It’s huge and I’ve dressed it up to the players as one of the biggest games for the Dragons in a long time.”

The Dragons have won as many league games as they did last season when they finished 10th but failure to win in Scotland will have them looking over their shoulder on final day when they face Cardiff Blues in Caerphilly.

“Zebre and Treviso play each other [on the last day] so unless they draw one will get four points,” said Jones.

“If we finish 10th it’s not where we want to be but we certainly don’t want to go any lower and have an opportunity to finish ninth. That’s not successful but it’s progression in many ways after a tough season.”

The Dragons haven’t won in any competition since beating Enisei-STM in the Challenge Cup on January 16, a losing streak of 10 games, but their hosts are also on a nightmare run.

Edinburgh have lost their last eight in the PRO12, their poorest ever run in the Championship.

Team news: Page 37