NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are getting back to basics with the help of Welsh Rugby Union skills coach Jason Strange as they attempt to find their cutting edge.

The Rodney Parade region struggled for tries in the Guinness Pro12 last season with their tally of 33 tries in 22 games the worst in the league.

A common theme of a frustrating campaign saw them enjoy pressure in opposition territory only to emerge without any points for their efforts.

The Dragons are taking a leaf out of the southern hemisphere's book in a bid to combat that problem, keeping things simple with plenty of work with the ball in pre-season training.

WRU coaches frequently head to the regions to observe, advise and offer input and Under-20s coach Strange has been holding drills at the Dragons' Ystrad Mynach training base alongside the management team.

"At the moment there is a big concentration on the core skills of pass and catch," said head coach Kingsley Jones. "Our core skills need to improve, look at the southern hemisphere and they execute under pressure.

"We are really focusing on the catch, pass and fixing defenders because we enjoyed plenty of possession last season but failed to take out chances

"It's the decision making under pressure and we are practicing that with repetitions under fatigue so that players have the confidence to throw that try-scoring pass."

The arrival of forwards coach Ceri Jones has enabled Kingsley Jones to take a more overriding view of matters at the Ystrad Mynach training base.

The former Wales prop, who signed a two-year deal with the Dragons, was previously with Worcester's academy and Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale.

As a former front rower, Ceri Jones will be specialising on the tight game while ex-flanker Kingsley Jones retains interest in defence and the breakdown.

"Watching Ceri coaching the forwards is like watching someone kissing your girlfriend!" joked the head coach, who was in charge of the pack under previous director of rugby Lyn Jones.

"But it's good to have him on board offering a different voice and a few fresh ideas, although there isn't change for the sake of change because our pack has made improvements in recent seasons."

The Dragons play against their Welsh rivals in the Singha Premiership 7s on Friday and will step up their 15-man preparations in August.

They have confirmed home friendlies with Cardiff Blues and Exeter at Rodney Parade and Ealing in Ystrad Mynach. A conditioning game against RGC 1404 in Colwyn Bay after a team bonding camp in north Wales is also in the offing on Friday, August 5.