HOOKER Rhys Thomas is enjoying his tussle for the number 2 jersey with 'ratbag' turned respected rival Elliot Dee.

The Rodney Parade region have been hit hard by injury this season but the coaching team have enjoyed a welcome weekly selection headache at the heart of their front row.

Thomas and Dee have been in fine form and seem to be the perfect combination as the share the burden, one earning the start and the other bringing energy from the bench around the hour mark.

Thomas, 31, has made three starts while Dee, 20, has made five. Experience gets the nod ahead of youthful exuberance against Ulster at Ravenhill this evening (kick-off 7.35pm) and knows he has to make it count.

"I've got a lot of respect for Elliot, he is young but is already a really good player," said 27-times capped Thomas.

"When I first came into the squad last year I thought he was a little ratbag but I've spent more time with him and enjoy his company now!

"He is excited to learn and does a lot of work off the field, which is showing in the way that he is performing. I am enjoying the battle with him."

It promises to be a formidable task for Thomas and his teammates against title-chasing Ulster in Belfast this evening.

The Dragons should have headed to Ireland in buoyant mood but, after stunning Stade Francais in Paris, blew a golden opportunity to take command of their European Rugby Challenge Cup group.

They were edged out 30-26 by Newcastle at Rodney Parade after being hindered by a misfiring lineout and gifting the Falcons a pair of tries from charge downs.

"Our stats were really good, I know that doesn't mean anything on the scoreboard but we are not as down on ourselves as we have been after other defeats," said Thomas.

"We felt we deserved to win but gifted Newcastle points and didn't take our opportunities. It was just one of those nights.

"But Ulster is an exciting challenge and we hope to use the same approach as we did in Paris, we are going there with nothing to lose given that we have got an inexperienced squad."

The Dragons last win in Ireland was against Ulster six years ago when a try by centre Ashley Smith and 11 points from the right boot of James Arlidge helped them to a 16-14 success at Ravenhill.

They have only avoided defeat once in the subsequent 23 games when they drew 22-22 in Belfast the following season.