NEWPORT Gwent Dragons face the “ultimate test” when they welcome the Ospreys to Rodney Parade this evening.

The last RaboDirect Pro12 game of 2012 pits the Dragons, who are one from bottom of the table, against the Ospreys, the league champions who are lurking just outside the playoff spots.

The Swansea-based region are seeking a derby hat trick after smashing both Cardiff Blues and the Scarlets in the last four weeks.

In between those victories was a highly impressive Heineken Cup victory against heavy hitters Toulouse, a result that Dragons head coach Darren Edwards believes cemented their place as the top region in the land.

“The Ospreys are the best team in Wales and their recent results have proved that,” he said.

“They have a power game that they can take on anybody with – as Toulouse found out at the start of the month.

“The Ospreys’ forwards are superb and in Dan Biggar they have a superb game controller who complements their efforts.

“He thrives behind the platform that they provide and also rewards them for their efforts with the way that he keeps them moving forward.

“They’ve conceded the fewest amount of tries in the Pro12 and are a very efficient and clinical team.

“It’s a formidable challenge, in some ways the ultimate test, but one that we are relishing. It’s a brilliant opportunity for the boys.”

The Dragons are buoyed by their incredible record against the Ospreys in Newport. This evening’s visitors have won just once at Rodney Parade in 10 attempts since the inception of regional rugby.