NEWPORT Gwent Dragons forwards coach Kingsley Jones urges his side not to rest on their laurels as they prepare for their return clash with Cardiff Blues.

He warns his players that Phil Davies’ men will be hurting and gunning for them, looking for payback on New Year’s Day at Cardiff Arms Park.

The Gwent region deservedly beat the Blues 22-16 in a thrilling derby on Boxing Day in front of their passionate fans at Rodney Parade.

The win moved them up into the top half of the RaboDirect PRO12, Jones’ men claiming sixth spot after number eight Toby Faletau’s try and 17 points from the boot of in-form No 10 Jason Tovey.

They face the Blues again this week, the capital city side looking to get back to winning ways after successive defeats to Welsh rivals the Ospreys and Dragons and with just three victories in the league to their name this season.

It could be a great chance for Jones’ side to complete the double over their biggest rivals, secure a rare away win and keep chasing their best PRO12 finish for years.

But he advises caution ahead of this week’s big showdown, telling his men they mustn’t get carried away.

“We have to keep our feet on the ground, although it is great to beat the Blues and it is something we’ll make the most of,” Jones said.

“But they will be really upset and thinking about getting one over on us at Cardiff Arms Park.”

The Dragons were by far the better side last week, their set piece functioning well and they should have scored a hatful of tries after several impressive line breaks by their impressive backs.

“We’ve been working hard on our scrum and driving lineout and there were signs of that coming together against the Blues,” Jones said.

“I thought we were a little harshly penalised at times in the scrum but there were a lot of positives to take from that game.

“We moved the ball really well and created a lot. We put some big tackles in – our defence was exceptional.

“Our centres Pat Leach and Ashley Smith were outstanding and there’s a lot of good things to take into the return match in Cardiff on New Year’s Day. We showed great commitment and effort in the first game.”