RYNARD Landman will attempt to get his six-week suspension reduced on Wednesday morning but if the lock's appeal fails then Andrew Coombs has backed his second row colleagues to fill the void in Newport Gwent Dragons' Euro quarter-final against Cardiff Blues.

The Wales international had formed an excellent second row partnership with Landman until the South African was sent off against Connacht for catching Jack Carty with his elbow when going for a charge down.

That act earned the 28-year-old, who had been deputising as captain for the injured Lee Byrne, a six-week ban that rules him out of the European Rugby Challenge Cup clash against the Blues on April 4 and potentially the semi-final against either London Irish or Edinburgh.

However, Landman will appear before a Guinness Pro12 appeal committee today in an attempt to get the suspension, which did not include the Dragons' current fortnight off while the LV= Cup is concluded, cut.

It appears to be a long shot but if the appeal fails then Coombs believes their excellent Guinness Pro12 win against a powerful Ulster unit shows that his suspension is not a terminal blow.

"Rynard is an influential player and a leader but we have got quality in the second row," said the 10-times capped lock.

"Cory Hill put in a great performance against Ulster, Matthew Screech was one of our best players last season and he came off the bench while Ian Gough was watching from the stands. There's so much competition.

"Cory has got an old head on young shoulders. You wouldn't think that he is 23, he has the appearance of a 35-year-old and the mind to go with it!"

Coombs is hopeful that the stirring home success against title hopefuls Ulster – only their sixth of the campaign on Newport soil – bodes well for the Blues encounter.

"Our home performances haven't been where they need to be this season and that has been disappointing because the fans pay good money to come here and watch us," he admitted.

"Hopefully now we have started something and we are excited for our next home game against Cardiff Blues, as I am sure the supporters are."

The Dragons can't completely focus on the crunch derby as first they have a tricky trip to Treviso a week on Saturday, a crucial game as they battle with the men from the capital to avoid the tag of Wales' worst region.

"I spoke to the players after the Ulster game and said to make sure they enjoy their two weeks off but to not switch off, think about rugby every day and make sure you are ready when you come back in because we can't afford lapses in concentration," said Coombs.

"Last time we had a bit of a break (in February) we came back against London Welsh and weren't at the races so it's important that we switch on when we come back in, ready to go."

- The Dragons squad will be supporting the annual disability Six Nations rugby festival at Trinity Fields School next to their training base in Ystrad Mynach next Wednesday.

The event has been held for the last 10 years and there will be over 150 disabled children taking part between 10.30am and 2pm.

The youngsters will get the opportunity to experience the thrills of rugby, develop new skills and make new friends.