THE FESTIVE period is a test of resolve for prop forwards but Newport Gwent Dragons tighthead Brok Harris is more than happy to go easy on the Christmas dinner as he prepares for his first taste of Boxing Day rugby, writes Chris Kirwan.

The South African has enjoyed a solid start to life at the Dragons since making the move from the Stormers and Western Province.

Harris, who was flung in at the deep end after winning the Currie Cup, would normally have his feet up and be free to indulge at this time of year but his move north means a double-header with Cardiff Blues.

On Friday he will line up at the Arms Park and then on New Year's Day he will welcome the men from the capital to Rodney Parade (both kick-offs 2.05pm).

The 29-year-old said: "I've never played in December before so it will be a whole new experience playing after a Christmas meal; normally I'd be having a few beers on the beach!

"But I know from the rest of the squad and in the media that these two games are pretty big and will have a similar vibe to the north-south, Bulls versus Stormers derbies in South Africa. I'm really looking forward to it."

Harris hasn't been in Wales long enough to be an expert on Cardiff Blues but he knows that the Dragons front row will face a stern test against some seasoned campaigners.

"Adam Jones and Gethin Jenkins are very experienced Wales players so we must prepare well," he said. "The Blues put in a pretty decent performance against the Scarlets and it's going to be a tough battle up front.

"Bucharest and Zebre was a great test for us and we are slowly but surely building to where we want to be. We are not there yet and there is lots of room for improvement but we are building to get that ideal package."