BROK Harris will deservedly put his feet up over the next fortnight but the Newport Gwent Dragons prop knows he will be under pressure to keep playing his part in providing their exciting backs with plenty of ball when he returns to the fray.

The South African tighthead has, like his compatriot Rynard Landman, rapidly become an influential figure at the Dragons since arriving last autumn.

The 29-year-old has taken the change in climate in his stride – "I want to build a snowman, we've seen a bit but not enough to play in or make a snow angel!" – and has started all 12 games since heading to Rodney Parade fresh from winning the Currie Cup with Western Province.

"It's been tough physically but they have been looking after me and getting the balance between working hard during the week and resting," said the former Stormers prop. "I've settled in well."

Harris is one of a number of experienced players that are set to sit out the home LV= Cup clashes against Exeter and London Welsh after a hectic schedule of derbies and crunch European ties.

The Dragons have named a settled pack over the winter period and have reaped the rewards with a number of impressive performances.

In years gone by they have been shunted backwards at the scrum but they have been holding their own in that area while they now have an impressive attacking driving lineout, albeit there is still work to do in defence.

The need to impress up front has been highlighted by recent stellar displays by a young backline that features Wales hopefuls Jack Dixon, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos and Tom Prydie.

"If we can pick up our game and give them clean ball to do their thing then it's a win-win situation," said Harris.

"I had to adapt to the northern hemisphere scrumming mindset when I first got here, it's still a work in progress but we are improving every week.

"We are also getting good results at the driving lineout and it's a big focus to get a good platform and give great ball for the backs.

"When I got here it was a case of forwards doing great one week and the backs the next, now we are getting the balance right.

"There is still a lot of hard work to do but we are getting there and everybody is on the same page."

And Harris and his fellow forwards have got the thumbs-up from the region's latest star.

"It's more comfortable for the backs now, we've got a really good platform to play off," said teenage centre Morgan, who is currently with Wales ahead of the Six Nations.

"It gives us outside backs a lot more space and more opportunities. We are thriving on it."