IT'S crunch time at Rodney Parade tonight when Newport Gwent Dragons attempt to halt the Ulster juggernaut in their Celtic League clash -- and nowhere will the battle be hotter than at lock.

The match will mark the first visit to Newport by former Australian World Cup giant Justin Harrison, the 6ft 8ins 17st 7lbs firebrand once dubbed a 'plank, plod and ape' by England player Austin Healey.

And Harrison's opponent Ian Gough (pictured) says he expects the Dragons will be 'bloodied and bruised afterwards like we always are against Ulster.'

Healey's outburst came during the British Lions tour to Australia in 2001 after the pair squared up during the Lions' game against ACT Brumbies which the Lions won in the last minute.

Healey then made his claim against the Aussie giant in his newspaper column ghosted by the equally controversial Eddie Butler.

But Harrison had the last laugh when he famously stole a line-out from Lions captain Martin Johnson on the Lions throw in the final minute when his side were under the cosh, and Australia won the Test series 2-1.

Harrison was involved in more trouble earlier this year when he admitted racial sledging of Cats winger Chumani Booi in Johannesburg and was banned for three games.

He has since moved overseas to link up with Ulster and coach Mark McCall insists Harrison, who makes his third league appearance for them tonight, has been a model signing.

"It's not just his performances on the pitch which have impressed but the influence he has brought to the whole organisation," he said.

"He's a great bloke and he's settled down really well. There's more to come as he is also accelerating the development of younger players and his experience is rubbing off on them."

Gough is expecting a pretty full-on clash against an Ulster team renowned for their abrasive forward play supported by the boot of David Humphreys. "Justin is a tall timber and a good player who has taken some stick. He's got a bit of everything, he can jump in the line-out and he does a lot of stuff around the park as well," said Gough.

"Austin Healey tripped over his own tongue, but I was surprised Harrison signed for Ulster. They're a tough team and he will complement their game plan by strengthening the steel they already have.

"They're a difficult side to play against. What they do they do well, they punish you and Humphreys is the perfect person for their game plan.

"It'll be a battle up front, they try to wear you out and grind you down which you can't do without a good pack. The challenge is there and we'll be bloodied and bruised afterwards like we always are against Ulster.

"But we have got to perform and work on the little things that cost us in our last two games.

"The atmosphere is fantastic, they're a great bunch of boys and the coaches and management are working hard, too, which is great for team spirit. It's a good environment to be in."

Uslter will be flat out to achieve their first victory at Newport in their fourth visit while the Dragons, though still without Michael Owen, Gareth Cooper, Ceri Sweeney and Nathan Brew, aim to mark their belated first home league game of the season with a notable victory. Kick off is 5.30pm.