ROSS Moriarty has pledged to step up another level and embrace the physical battle with the Dragons when the Wales powerhouse enjoys his first derby against Cardiff Blues this evening.

The 24-year-old Lions back row forward moved to Rodney Parade from Gloucester in the summer and will be a leading figure when the men from the capital head to Newport (kick-off 5.15pm).

Moriarty starts at number eight and will be in direct competition with the Blues' strong-running New Zealander Nick Williams.

The Wales international is no shrinking violet and is relishing the confrontation.

"I love a derby. In any sport, at any level, it is always massive," said Moriarty, who used to lock horns with Bath for the Cherry and Whites.

"I'm not from Gwent but I do take it personally. You have to have the right mindset and understand what the game means to the fans."

"I'm actually pretty chilled before games. Everyone is different," he continued. "I just find I play my best when I'm controlled before games. You know the physical battle is coming and you have to be ready for that.

"I'm really looking forward to the day. The atmosphere at Rodney Parade will be special and we've got to enjoy that and rise to the challenge.

"It's a big day. Some players will brush it off as just another game, but I'm not like that. It's another level up and you have to be ready to step it up to compete."

Moriarty was the most high-profile of the Dragons' 14 summer recruits and great expectations come with his big pay packet.

He may only be 24 but with 23 caps and a Lions appearance to his name, the back row forward is relishing being an important figure in the squad.

"I do like to see myself as a leader," he said. "I guess lead with my actions on the pitch. Bernard (Jackman, head coach) has not asked me to do anything special, it is something that comes with my game.

"I don't want to take a step back, but at the same time I won't say something just for the sake of it. It's all about setting an example. And if something needs fixing I will raise my voice to be heard."

Moriarty made his Dragons debut in the win against Southern Kings and featured prominently in the hard-fought success against Zebre.

The new signing believes the first block in the PRO14 has been promising as the Dragons attempt to sign off with a derby win before a pair of European Challenge Cup encounters.

"There is a really good feeling about the place and the direction we are going," said Moriarty.

"We've won two of our first three games at Rodney Parade, which is where we have got to be hard to beat. It's a fresh squad and we're learning about each other the more we play together.

"Leinster away was a poor result, but that kind of difficult afternoon makes you better. Against Zebre we showed what we had learnt and that we are on a learning curve right now."

Jackman has made eight changes to the side that lost in Glasgow with Moriarty and fellow Wales internationals Cory Hill, Elliot Dee, Leon Brown, Ollie Griffiths and Rhodri Williams returning to the XV along with influential loosehead Brok Harris and fly-half Josh Lewis.

l Dragons v Blues: Page 38