TWO years ago Newport Gwent Dragons needed an older head at fly-half. They made an attempt to sign Andy Goode but the former England international signed for Wasps instead, leaving the Dragons to sign Kris Burton in a move that didn't work out.

He left last summer and wasn't replaced, meaning 25-year-old Jason Tovey is the most experienced 10 on the books, although it's Dorian Jones who is currently getting the nod while Angus O'Brien is learns his trade in the Principality Premiership.

As such it's not surprising that, much like France, you never really know what side is going to turn up, lose to Zebre one week, turn over Ulster the next.

The Dragons now have a pack that delivers a platform to play off but are green behind their solidified scrum.

Interestingly it looks like the Dragons are set to stick with what they have got at fly-half for next season, believing that there is no value in the market.

It's here where they will hope to reap the benefits of a rugby trend that is quite French-like with the scrum-halves increasingly being the generals that dictate play.

"Sarel Pretorius moves teams around and is a tricky customer with a lot of experience," said head coach Kingsley Jones after Sunday's win against Ulster.

"Charlie Davies is a big, physical player who will give us something different while Luc Jones needs to develop as third-choice scrum-half.

"But experience is the key thing that Pretorius brings and he will be a fantastic signing for the region because 9s are becoming the most influential players with the kicking in the modern game."

The Dragons' back line for the majority of the second half of their game against Ulster was Jonathan Evans (22), Jones (22), Hallam Amos (20), Carl Meyer (23, Pro12 debut), Jack Dixon (20), Ashton Hewitt (20) and Tom Prydie (23).

The region is now benefiting from the experience of backs coach Shaun Connor but one hopes they won't rue not looking to bring in an older head to aid in the development of their existing 10s and the burgeoning backs outside them.