WALES flanker Aaron Wainwright is confident that the Dragons will last the pace against the rapid Cheetahs this evening, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Rodney Parade region have one last chance to prevent their winless away streak in the Guinness PRO14 continuing into next season.

Last Sunday they drew against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth to end a run of 42 straight league losses on the road and now they have head to Bloemfontein (kick-off 6.35pm).

The Cheetahs sit one from bottom of Conference A but are ranked fourth in the PRO14 try charts with 66 in 19 games, a tally that dwarfs the Dragons' 32, the worst in the league.

South Wales Argus:

Tonight's hosts won 29-17 with a bonus point when the teams met in Newport last season and back row forward Wainwright knows the Dragons must match their energy.

"We have got to prepare for another very fast and expansive game," said World Cup hopeful Wainwright, who is selected at blindside.

"We've had a look at them and what their strengths and weaknesses are and how we can look to try and exploit that.

"We've got to stop what they are good at, but we are all expecting a fast game and high tempo from the start."

The Dragons will have to be sharp of mind as well as body if they are to stun the Cheetahs after wasting plenty of openings in Port Elizabeth.

"I thought there were a lot of positives to take from the Kings game, although it was frustrating not to get the win," said Wainwright.

"We made a lot of chances and made things happen, but perhaps we didn't get our finishing touch quite right. That is a big work on this week, taking those chances when we create them.

"We defended well in parts but we've reviewed the game and there are some technical areas we need to sharpen up and take into the Cheetahs game."

South Wales Argus:

The Dragons will not be able to use poor preparation as an excuse tonight after a fortnight in South Africa, using the Stormers' training base in the week.

"I've enjoyed the tour," said Wainwright. "We had a good few days in Port Elizabeth before the Kings game and travelled down to Cape Town to prepare for this game.

"We had some recovery in the sea, which is a little different, and the facilities over here have been absolutely spot-on."