NEWPORT Gwent Dragons face a litmus test ahead of their Guinness Pro12 campaign when they welcome Exeter Chiefs to Rodney Parade this evening.

The Dragons host last season’s Aviva Premiership runners-up in their final tune-up for next Friday’s league opener against Ulster in Belfast.

After giving fringe players a run out against Ealing Trailfinders last weekend, head coach Kingsley Jones has gone back to the tried and tested.

And his forwards coach Ceri Jones wants to see the Dragons hitting their straps against the powerful Chiefs ahead of the daunting trip to Ravenhill.

“We are still trying to give people opportunities but the first league match is coming up on us now,” said the former Wales prop, who arrived this summer after working with Worcester’s academy and Principality Premiership champions Ebbw Vale.

“It was very much a development side last week and this is very much closer to where we want to be (for Ulster).

“There is a reasonable sized squad and a chance of rotating people who are slugging it out but it is getting close to match time now and we have to get our preparation correct.”

Exeter, beaten by Saracens in the English title showdown at Twickenham last season, head over the Severn Bridge with a strong side and fresh from a thumping 45-3 win against the Scarlets and 25-19 success against Ulster.

“We have seen what they did to the Scarlets a few weeks ago,” said Ceri Jones. “They are a very good team with a great squad and a lot of strength and depth.

“They are in the same position and are about to go into the Aviva Premiership so it’s going to be a good test of where we are at and we are looking forward to the challenge.

“Make no mistake about it, the English game is about the scrum and the driving lineout. If you can’t defend a driving lineout or can’t get a scrum then you fail as a team.

“I am looking forward to the opportunity of finding out where we are at in those two areas.”