WALES lock Cory Hill says it's 'Test week' at the Dragons as they bid to end their nightmare derby drought against Cardiff Blues on Saturday.

The Rodney Parade region host their rivals from the capital (kick-off 5.35pm) and aim to end a 21-game losing streak against Welsh teams in the Guinness PRO14.

Hill was a replacement when the Dragons triumphed at the Arms Park on Boxing Day, 2014 but since then it has been nothing but misery against the Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets in the league.

The captain knows ending that derby drought is vital – and the 18-times capped international says things have ramped up at their Ystrad Mynach training base.

"All derby weeks are pretty intense. Every week is important for us because we are building and we are starting to come together nicely, but this is like a Test match week," said the 26-year-old.

"Everyone is buzzing, everyone wants to be involved and everyone wants to get one up on our neighbours.

"We are friends with a lot of the guys that play down there, we play international rugby with them and through the age grades, we are friendly but it will be pretty heated on Saturday."

"It's been a while, we have spoken about that," continued Hill about the losing streak.

"It's big on our agenda, a derby win would be massive for us, we have had a good week of training and are ready for the challenge.

"All home games are massive for us but that's added to with a derby, it will be a full house at Rodney Parade and all the boys are excited and looking forward to putting on a performance for the fans.

"We were disappointed not to get a win (against Benetton) on opening weekend but have managed to get two on the bounce at home (against Southern Kings and Zebre) to build some momentum. Hopefully we can get another one.

"We've got two wins out of five. If we can get a win this weekend to end the first block before Europe we will be pretty pleased with that."

Hill will be fighting fit for the clash against his former side after sitting out last week's 29-13 loss at Glasgow along with fellow Wales forwards Ollie Griffiths and Ross Moriarty.

Rynard Landman and Brandon Nansen were paired together at Scotstoun but the skipper didn't just spend his afternoons on the golf course, he was preparing to be in peak condition physically and mentally.

"We've got a pretty decent squad here and Bernard (Jackman, head coach) spoke at the start of the year about giving guys the chance to recover and have a conditioning week to get their gym work done," said Hill.

"It wasn't a rest week, it was about getting ready and we have our heads on for this. We had boys coming in that meant we sent a strong squad to Glasgow, something we haven't been able to do over the last couple of years.

"That's a positive and we know that there are four of five players fighting for each position. Everyone is busting to get the jersey so when you put it on, you have to try and keep it."