NEWPORT Gwent Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones has challenged hookers Rhys Buckley and Hugh Gustafson to ensure the battle for the number 2 jersey doesn’t drop off in the absence of Elliot Dee, writes Chris Kirwan.

Dee, 20, has enjoyed a joust with former Wales international Rhys Thomas for starts at the heart of the front row but is set to be out for the rest of the campaign after having surgery on his left shoulder.

That leaves Buckley, who has recently returned from a torn pectoral muscle, and Gustafson, who impressed in the European Rugby Challenge Cup win at Newcastle, keeping Thomas on his toes.

The 31-year-old is set to start against Connacht on Sunday after starring in last weekend’s stunning victory at Guinness Pro12 champions Leinster and Jones believes the seasoned campaigner will still be under pressure to keep his spot.

“It’s disappointing for Elliot because he has been outstanding for us but he will come back stronger,” said Jones.

“Elliot has managed to get the most games and I have said all along that he needed to be playing really well to keep Rhys Thomas out of the team and Rhys was nominated by the players as their man of the match against Leinster.

“Gus had a very good game in Newcastle and his lineout percentages were fantastic, as long as he can do that we know he is a fantastic rugby player.

“Rhys is a strong scrummager and gives us something there, he needs more game time to get up to speed (after his injury) but we are lucky to have those three hookers still in our squad.”

Dragons have no fresh injury worries after the stunning win in Dublin while loosehead Boris Stankovich is in contention for a start after making his return from knee surgery with a pair of appearances off the bench against London Welsh and Leinster.

The region are hopeful that wing/full-back Hallam Amos will once again be released from Six Nations duty by Wales while former internationals Lee Byrne and Aled Brew nearing returns from long layoffs.

The pair could be back within a month from shoulder and back injuries respectively. Full-back and captain Byrne has not played since October 24 while wing Brew has been out of action since November 7.