UNDERESTIMATE Chris Anderson at your peril -- that is the warning from fellow rugby league ace David Watkins about the man who is set to become coach of Newport Gwent Dragons.

Critics in Wales have been lining up, stressing that the Dragons' new man has never coached rugby union, but Newport chairman Watkins leaps to the defence of Anderson.

He is the former Australia rugby league coach who guided them to the World Cup and a 3-0 Test series victory in Great Britain, as well as coaching teams from Australia and Britain to their respective championship titles.

Watkins, the first man to captain Great Britain in union and league and who enjoyed a glittering career in both codes, played against Anderson, though at different ends of their careers, and he knows a lot about the Aussie from his time here in league.

"He's a pretty special person," said Watkins. "Australia don't swap their coaches often and he came on two Great Britain tours. He's a typical Aussie who says what he feels and does what he wants.

"He's the sort of guy who doesn't give any favours and people will find him straight and upright. If players do what he wants they'll be in, if they don't they'll be out. He will do things properly and if players are late for training they'll get fined. I don't think anybody should underestimate this guy."

Watkins points out how many union sides are now employing league coaches and he believes Anderson's lack of experience in union won't be a significant factor.

He also claims attitudes and fitness among top rugby league sides is twice as good as their union counterparts.

"Backs coaches now are all about unlocking defences. France have got a rugby league coach, Wasps have got Shaun Edwards, the Irish have got a rugby league defence coach," he said.

"The Australian rugby league team is highly regimented, as meticulous as England are with Clive Woodward.

"A coach is only a coach if he brings the best out of people. It's about the motivation of people and adapting. Some coaches now haven't even played for their countries, and how good was Alex Ferguson as a player?

"If you're a very good player you won't necessarily be a very good coach. Chris Anderson's aim is to make the Dragons a better side and bring in some new ideas.

"New Zealand and South Africa build their sides on defence and the side with the ball wins matches.

"Chris has coached the Australian rugby league side to winning the World Cup and on two successful tours to Great Britain.

"They have tremendous fitness and their attitude is twice as good as the very best international rugby union side. The Australian league side is probably the most disciplined in all sports.

"I'm not saying the arrival of Chris guarantees success, no-one can give that, but I'd have no qualms about him. He will bring discipline, organisation and something different. His pedigree and his record speaks for itself."