BERNARD Jackman is confident the Dragons are close to getting Ross Moriarty on the rampage as the powerhouse back rower prepares for his first Welsh derby.

The Lions forward will be a key figure in Saturday's Guinness PRO14 clash with Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade (kick-off 5.15pm).

Moriarty was the most high-profile of the Dragons' 14 summer signings and has made a solid start since arriving in Newport on a bumper deal from Gloucester.

The 24-year-old has racked up 56 tackles in three games and offered himself as a willing runner, albeit without racking up the yardage as he did for the Cherry and Whites and when in the red of Wales.

Jackman believes Moriarty is close to running amok after getting to know his new teammates.

"Ross has carried a lot but because of the nature of the games we haven't got him into space," said the head coach.

"Ross is just so honest – he will tackle and carry all day for you. That's why we signed him and why we believe that he is world class.

"That's why I talk about the importance of cohesion and understanding because what we need to do is get all our back rowers running at soft shoulders and mismatches.

"That's what we are striving to get to as quickly as possible because then he will start having those really big moments, and he is very close.

"His power is back to where it was; because of his back injury he couldn't do a lot of lower body weights last year but he has been hitting personal bests in the gym.

"We can see that in his carries and every minute he gets, he is getting closer to one of those big runs that makes everyone go 'wow'. I can see that coming very soon."

Moriarty will join forces with Wales flankers Ollie Griffiths and Aaron Wainwright to lock horns with a Cardiff Blues trio that will be formidable whoever John Mulvihill picks out of Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins, Nick Williams, Olly Robinson and Josh Turnbull.

"The back row battle is going to be huge," said Jackman. "The Blues compete very, very hard on the ball and we will need strong refereeing there.

"But our back row is probably the strongest area of our side and it is starting the click well. It must be exciting to match up against guys who are direct opponents in terms of forcing their way into the Wales side.

"There is definitely a pep in their step and they are looking forward to it."

The Dragons will look to their back row to put in big displays and Jackman also needs his Wales internationals to stand tall.

"In a derby match when everything is tight you need one or two individuals to put in a 9/10 performance and have key moments that go on your side," said Jackman.

"I'd like to think that we have more people capable of that, Ross is definitely one of those but it's not all about him, it's about shared responsibility and everyone pitching in.

"Maybe it will be someone who is a little bit under the radar that has a big day that can help us win."

The Dragons name their team at midday with Wales outside centre Tyler Morgan in contention for a return after missing the last three games with a hamstring strain.

However, inside centre Jack Dixon is likely to miss out because of a stinger.