RANGY winger Chris Hollis can help the Dragons pose more problems in attack, believes boss Dai Flanagan.

The South African is with the Rodney Parade club on a short-term contract that is likely to be extended into next season.

The 25-year-old joined from the Stormers for the United Rugby Championship run-in and made his debut as a starter against his former side and kept his place for the derby defeat against the Ospreys.

Hollis showed flashes of why he has been given a chance in the final quarter of the 26-13 defeat at Swansea.com Stadium.

He got more involved to finish at the Dragons’ leader with five successful carries – one behind number eight Morgan Morris, whose exploits earned man of the match – and offloaded three times.

The winger’s height – 6ft 3ins – meant he was the recipient of a cross-kick from Aneurin Owen while his strong carry in the 22 allowed Sio Tomkinson to put Will Reed over for the visitors’ only try of the afternoon.

South Wales Argus: TIMED: Chris Hollis put Ewan Rosser running clear down the Dragons wing at the OspreysTIMED: Chris Hollis put Ewan Rosser running clear down the Dragons wing at the Ospreys (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“He gives us something that we haven’t got,” said head coach Flanagan. “What I have liked about him is that he is popping up at first receiver, stepping in front of people, because he is super keen and super energetic.

“It’s exciting seeing him in a bit of space ands the timing of his pass to Ewan Rosser [for a line break that led to a Tomkinson try being chalked off for a forward pass] was excellent.

“Chris wants to help the team win and obviously has a fantastic rugby background because he turns up diligently to training every day and he empties the tank every day. He is setting standards and others are noticing how hard he works.”

Hollis is set to battle with Jared Rosser, who is currently sidelined with a calf strain, for the spot as the more physical winger down the Dragons’ left flank next season.

Flanagan has moved to add more size to his squad and not just up front with the South African winger signed up along with Australian centre/full-back Harry Wilson, who is also 6ft 3ins.

The Dragons also have strong-running prospects Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood coming through and set to be bona fide senior midfield options after getting a taste of professional rugby in the current campaign.

Westwood also impressed in the final quarter at the Ospreys, leading Flanagan to say: “He is a big man with an offload game. Imagine him and Chris Hollis in the channels and then teams will have to worry about us with offloads feeding the likes of Rio Dyer.”