NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are looking to prop Phil Price to provide them with plenty of bite in the scrum against a team that literally got their teeth into them last season.

The Rodney Parade region triumphed 18-3 when took on Aironi at the Stadio Zaffanella in February, 2011.

The Dragons players picked up the usual bumps and bruises that are associated with full-blooded encounters but hooker Lloyd Burns was also bitten on his arm.

Just like when teams head to the French rugby strongholds, a trip to Italy is synonymous with a brutal forward battle.

The region haven’t won on their travels in the league since that success over a year ago and sleeves will have to be rolled up if the away hoodoo is to be ended.

“It’s going to be hostile, we found that out last year when we had to grind out every point and battle at every scrum,” said loosehead Price.

“Like all Italian side they have got a big pack and we know that we are going to have to produce a big performance up front.

“We really needed to get that win against Edinburgh last weekend (a 21-10 home success) and it is important that we back it up and get another one, especially on the road.”

The arrival of Nathan Williams at Rodney Parade means that Price has had to get used to sharing this season.

The 23-year-old started in 21 of his 26 appearances last term but has an equal split of 10 from the off and 10 from the bench in the current campaign.

He will get the nod when the Dragons name their team at lunchtime today after seeing Williams preferred for the majority of frontline fixtures so far.

And he admits the pressure will be on to perform, especially in the set piece.

Price said: “It’s been a good battle this season and I am pleased to get the start, I think that I needed to get one under my belt in the Pro12.

“If I am honest I don’t think my scrummaging has been up to the standards that I set last year and at the beginning of the season.

“I dropped off a bit and have had to refocus. I definitely think that I scrummaged better when I came on against Ulster and Edinburgh and I need to build on that from the start this weekend.

“I’ve had a few problems that have been picked up and worked on and if I can go well in the set piece then that will go along with my all-round game, which has probably been my strength.

“I do enjoy carrying hard, tackling and getting around the park but as a prop you need to scrummage well first.

“I think that the battle for the start is working well for the both of us and for the team,” said Price.

“We are fighting for starts and looking to put in big performances, and the need for front row cover on the bench means that we both have our chances to show what we can do.

“You see that he has had a good game and is scrummaging well and know that you have got to come on and be at your best or it will show to the coaches and the crowd.

“That sort of rivalry can only be a good thing.”