IT WAS business as usual for Nic Cudd on opening weekend of the Guinness Pro12 but the tenacious flanker doesn't want to give another defensive masterclass against Zebre after topping the league's tackle charts thanks to his exploits in Belfast.

The 27-year-old openside predictably downed more attackers than any other player when he made 20 tackles in the Dragons' 29-8 defeat to Ulster.

That he was joined in the round one top 10 by fellow back row forwards Lewis Evans and Ed Jackson (both 17), lock Cory Hill (16) and centre Jack Dixon (15) tells a story.

Kingsley Jones' men were starved of possession for an hour at the Kingspan Stadium and things must change at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 7.15pm).

They are attempting to end an 11-game losing streak in the league, the worst in their history and one that stretches back to January.

While Zebre will be no pushovers – and the hosts expect a reaction to the Italians' opening weekend 59-5 humiliation at the Ospreys – one would expect the Dragons to get the chance to provide evidence of their new more attacking approach.

"It was a good start to the game for us at Ulster but a disappointing second half when we pretty much just defended," lamented Cudd.

"It was frustrating after making a good start and going out there with confidence. We played some good rugby in pre-season and we just need to be able to play that for the full 80 minutes, not just the first 30.

"I am enjoying the new style because I get my hands on the ball a bit more; I like a fast game and it suits me more as a smaller player. But from a team point of view we just need to keep it up throughout the game."

The opening quarter of the Belfast encounter saw Ollie Griffiths at the heart of much of the Dragons' good work.

The 21-year-old from Newbridge had shifted from his primary position of openside to blindside to form an extremely mobile partnership with Cudd and number eight Ed Jackson.

Griffiths was forced off after a blow to the shoulder in the build-up to the Ulster opener – his absence played a part in the hosts counter-attacking – and he will sit out the Zebre clash.

The Dragons feared the former Wales Under-20s star would be sidelined for a while but scans revealed no major damage and he should return in the coming weeks, providing the management with the opportunity to pair their magnificent 7s.

"When we play together it does work because he is a very good seven but is big enough and strong enough ball carrier to do that six role," said Cudd.

"With the contact area if see Ollie is close by then I know that I don't need to get in there and can be in the next line of defence ready for the next contact area.

"I don't think that I've seen an athlete like Ollie, he's got a lot of potential and I am sure he will go a long way."

The Dragons name their side at midday tomorrow with Evans set to replace Griffiths with James Thomas coming onto the bench. Wales international Hallam Amos will return at full-back.