THE nature of last season meant that the pressure was always going to be intense on Bernard Jackman and the Dragons in September but the PRO14 fixture computer has increased that heat.

The Rodney Parade region have been given the opportunity to get off to a flying start. In fact, you could even say it’s a necessity after the misery of 2017/18.

With a trio of home games against Benetton, Southern Kings and Zebre in September there will be expectation that they will eclipse their tally of wins for the whole of last season in the first month.

That is not taking the opposition lightly – Benetton were excellent last year, Zebre won seven games while Southern Kings should be a different proposition with a campaign of European rugby under their belts – but if the Dragons are to change perceptions in the second year of Jackman’s reign then there must be smiles on faces as we head into October.

I would like them to be on at least 12 points after four rounds of action, which also includes a tricky trip to champions Leinster in week three.

That would give them a platform and provide cheer for supporters who were frequently told to keep the faith in 2017/18, that their patience would be repaid in the next campaign.

This is a wonderful opportunity; the Dragons can get points on the board and then keep ticking along.

Nobody is expecting a play-off push but mid-table in Conference B, above the Kings and mixing it with Benetton and Edinburgh, is a must.

This season has to feature a league derby win for the first time since Boxing Day, 2014 while the Dragons must not be a soft touch on their travels after allowing their hosts to score four-try bonuses on every occasion in the PRO14 last season.

They have to set the tone and September will be massive for Jackman, who left himself exposed by the understandable desire to blood youth last season.

He has been busy in the transfer market and brought in 14 new faces yet he must already be mulling over his team for Benetton.

The head coach has a selection quandary – does he fling in the recruits early or does he stick with familiar faces?

The choice at lock neatly sums up that dilemma.

The summer tourists are not yet back in training but Cory Hill is a shoo-in for the first game; the captain can be flung in even if he doesn’t feature in the friendlies against Ealing, Northampton and Gloucester.

But who should partner him? Jackman expects big things of lock Brandon Nansen, who has signed from Stade Francais, but it could be safer to give him the role of impact sub.

The Samoan’s arrival should spur on South African Rynard Landman, Joe Davies (fresh from a solid campaign) and Matthew Screech (back fit after a torn hamstring) this season.

It might be less of a risk to give Landman first crack in the 4 jersey.

The signings will all be expected to make big contributions over the course of the year but there isn’t the chance for them to get their feet under the table, they have to settle quickly and hit the ground running.

To that end at least Rhodri Williams, Richard Hibbard, Aaron Jarvis, Ryan Bevington and Jordan Williams have PRO14 experience.

Rhodri Williams must start at 9 while Hibbard should back-up Elliot Dee, but should Jarvis get the nod over Lloyd Fairbrother, Bevington over Brok Harris, Jordan Williams over Jared Rosser or Zane Kirchner?

The answers to those questions will be determined by the next few weeks in Ystrad Mynach with graft at training probably having more value than the friendlies against Ealing, the Saints and Cherry and Whites.

The results of last season mean that nobody can really complain if a new boy gets the nod ahead of them but there must be the temptation for a little bit of caution because of the importance of the start, to introduce some new faces slowly given that it is a long, draining season.

It means that Ross Moriarty (after his round one ban), Hallam Amos, Hill, Dee and Aaron Wainwright must come straight back in while other teams contemplate a gentle approach for their Test players.

In an ideal world every member of the first team would get a start in the first block of PRO14 fixtures but the schedule means the Dragons have to find a winning formula and stick with it.

There is no margin for error from the first whistle this season, no change for the Dragons to get their eye in.

It isn't hyperbole to state that the reign of Jackman will be shaped by September and the boss has to make the right calls.