THE Scarlets go into tonight’s Magners League derby clash against big rivals Newport Gwent Dragons wary of what they are up against despite last week’s confidence boosting victory over London Irish.

The Scarlets emerged from a terrific Heineken Cup clash with the side acknowledged to be playing the best rugby in England this season with a totally unexpected victory.

On that basis alone they have to be considered favourites to gain their third victory in a row against the Dragons, but they are well aware of what their opponents have achieved this season and the way they are playing.

And coach Nigel Davies, the former Wales chief, says they have to close the gap between themselves and the Dragons in the league table which currently stands at seven points mainly because the Welsh team finishing fourth will miss out on a Heineken Cup place next season.

“It’s a very important game and we can’t allow them to get away from us,” he said. “It’s a very big game and when you look at the league table there is still a bit of pressure on us.

“It’s going to be difficult for us because we’re up against a side who are playing well, though quite possibly ourselves and the Dragons are playing with a lot of belief after going well in Europe.

“It’s about bragging rights and there is a huge amount at stake. There is no doubt about it, from what I have seen of the Dragons they’ve got a cutting edge and more belief in themselves which comes from a couple of good wins.

“I’ve been very impressed with Wayne Evans, he’s been central in just about everything they’ve been trying to achieve, he’s been a key player. And Joe Bearman has been playing well, too, it’s a shame he’s injured because he’s a quality player.

“I have a great regard and respect for the Dragons, they are not dissimilar to us with a lot of young players being given a chance. We are both investing in young talent, it’s great to see them coming through.”

Davies believes the rival teams are similar both on the playing front and in what they have been trying to achieve against a limited financial background this season.

“We have been trying to turn things around and it’s been hard because we’ve had to get rid of people as well as changing things,” he said.

“It’s been four years in the making, we haven’t got the luxury of Leinster and Munster who have been four or five years in the making, this is our first year and though we are nowhere near the finished article we are seeing the start of something.

“It would be nice to see more people coming to the ground, but the supporters have been great and even though there weren’t that many at the Madejski Stadium (against London Irish) they made themselves heard. That was a massive win for us.”

Perhaps ominously for the Dragons Wales lynchpin Stephen Jones has carried on where he left off for the Lions in South Africa this summer, displaying his usual control and generalship.

“He is benefiting from the rest we gave him after the tour and his late start for us,” said Davies. “On his day Stephen is as good as anyone out there, he is playing great rugby, he’s at the top of his form and he’s even adding a lot to his game.”