NEWPORT Gwent Dragons have endured a nightmare start to the Guinness Pro12 but Nic Cudd's defensive exploits have caught the eye of Wales boss Warren Gatland.

The Rodney Parade region have lost five of their six games and have frequently been on the back foot.

Things would have been even worse were it not for the heroics of openside flanker Cudd, who shows scant regard for his own safety when competing at the breakdown.

The 26-year-old has his route to international honours blocked by Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric but, in a Q&A on the WRU's website, Gatland praised his efforts.

"I've been impressed with the way he has been playing for a Dragons team that has been under a lot of pressure. I thought Sam Lewis had a good game for the Ospreys at the weekend as well," said the New Zealander.

"(It's) nice to have someone coming through that is doing well and its creating a lot of depth. It's going to be hard for him with the likes of Tipuric and Warburton in that position but it creates depth and problems for us as coaches."

Gatland names his squad for November Tests against Australia, Fiji, New Zealand and South Africa on Tuesday morning.