WHEN Newport Gwent Dragons hosted the Ospreys they failed to heed the pre-match warnings about the opposition scrum-half. They can ill afford to be as sloppy in Llanelli on Sunday, writes Chris Kirwan.

It's well known that Rhys Webb likes to snipe at a ruck, especially when the play is moving from left to right.

The Ospreys number 9 dummied then darted over in the Guinness Pro12 opener against Treviso at the Liberty Stadium, so the Dragons squad were given their caution in the build-up to the round two clash at Rodney Parade.

Yet with half an hour left, and with legs tiring, they drifted off in defence and allowed Webb to score a carbon copy, darting under the sticks in the 17-15 win.

The Dragons will come face-to-face with another finisher supreme at Parc y Scarlets on Sunday as Gareth Davies is poised to wear 9.

The 25-year-old Wales international missed last weekend's 20-20 draw in Edinburgh but has been given the green light to return after passing concussion tests and will be looking to give the Dragons defence a headache.

He was the top try scorer in the Guinness Pro12 last season with 10 scores and caught Lyn Jones' side napping when he darted down the blind side at Parc y Scarlets.

Even if Davies, who crossed for braces in the September home clashes against Ulster and Treviso, is only fit for the bench then he has two very able deputies in Rhodri Williams and Aled Davies.

"Gareth and all of their nines are very difficult characters to face and play a very positive game at the base of rucks," said Jones.

"They caught us out once or twice last year and you can't lose concentration for one second when you have players like Rhys Webb or Gareth Davies against you.

"They are always looking for half a chance and never switch off, that's the sign of a quality player."

Jones' opposite number Wayne Pivac is relishing a first taste of regional derby action after taking over from Simon Easterby in the Scarlets hotseat.

"Games like this are always good to be involved in and more importantly good games to win with bragging rights until the next time you meet," said the New Zealander.

"The Dragons will be very physical and have an aggressive defence and are very competitive at the breakdown. They will test us in those areas and we have to be up for it."