NIC Cudd knows from experience that Zebre are a "hard nut to crack" and the Newport Gwent Dragons flanker has warned against complacency at Rodney Parade tomorrow evening.

The tenacious openside isn't afraid of putting his head where it hurts and the 26-year-old expects another bruising battle against the physical Italians in the Guinness Pro12.

Zebre will be fuelled by the embarrassment of a 61-13 hammering in their season opener at Cardiff Blues and have been stewing on that result while training in Newport this week.

Cudd expects a backlash and, after being in the Dragons side that lost 23-17 at the Stadio XXV Aprile in March, is taking nothing for granted.

"Every game against them has been tough," said the west Walian. "They are very physical, especially at the contact area, the set piece and with their driving maul.

"They make life hard for you and are a tough team to play against. It's down to us to have a good start and stamp our authority on the game.

"You don't want to give them a sniff because then there will stay in there for the whole game and compete. They can be a hard nut to crack.

"They were well beaten at Cardiff Blues so they will be well up for this and I expect they will be a tough team for us to break down."

The Dragons also endured a losing start after having to settle for a solitary bonus point from a 29-23 defeat to Connacht in Galway.

It was a frustrating start but there were encouraging aspects to the performance, notably the way that number eight Ed Jackson settled into the back row.

"He played really well," said Cudd. "Ed carried well, tackled well and showed that he is a good footballer.

"Ed has a good knowledge of the game and has a good rugby brain. His performances in pre-season and in Connacht have been excellent so he is another strong back rower in the squad and that competition is driving us all on."

Dragons director of rugby Lyn Jones will name his side at lunchtime today with blindside flanker Lewis Evans pushing hard for a call-up alongside Cudd and Jackson in the back row after missing the Galway trip with an elbow injury.