CENTRE Ashley Smith has demanded that Newport Gwent Dragons click in attack from the first whistle against London Wasps tomorrow, writes Chris Kirwan.

The region only came to life in the second half of last week’s LV= Cup defeat to the Scarlets in Llanelli; before that they failed to hang on to the ball or showed precious little attacking shape.

Smith believes it is essential that the Dragons, who are on a four-game losing streak, pick up where they left off when they welcome Wasps to Rodney Parade (kick-off midday) in the Anglo-Welsh tournament.

“We need to build on what we did in the second half and push on,” said centre Smith. “We were more threatening at the end of the game and need to carry that into Wasps.

“They are a big side with some good runners and a strong back row that likes to jackal. They are a top European team and it will be a tough game.

“We played Wasps twice in the Amlin Challenge Cup last season and were unlucky to lose here. We’ve got to know each other quite well and it would be good turn around our recent form and get the win.

“After a better second half against the Scarlets we want to keep building so that the squad has some momentum going to Glasgow in the RaboDirect Pro12.”

Smith made his first Dragons appearance since February in Llanelli and provided some experience to go along with six debutants.

He is still just 26 but only scrum-half Wayne Evans can better his tally of 130 Dragons appearances made since his regional bow in December 2005.

Smith formed a midfield partnership with 18-year-old debutant Tyler Morgan and is happy to see plenty of young talent following a similar path to the one he has trodden.

“It was good to be alongside Tyler, he is an exciting and talented player with a big future ahead of him,” said Smith.

“He’s a Caerleon School boy as well and so are (18-year-old wing) Ashton Hewitt and (19-year-old fly-half) Angus O’Brien – I’m sure they’ll be pretty chuffed if we were all in the side together one day.”

- The Dragons’ dates for rounds 13 to 19 of the RaboDirect Pro12 have been confirmed with three of their home games given Sunday slots.

The region will host Edinburgh, Glasgow and Connacht on Sundays and will not play a league fixture on their preferred Friday night slot in the second half of the campaign.

The final day of the regular season has also been confirmed as Saturday, May 10 when Treviso head to Rodney Parade.

Sunday, February 9: Edinburgh, home, kick-off 1.05pm (weekend of Ireland v Wales)

Friday, February 14: Leinster, away, kick-off 7.45pm

Sunday, February 23: Glasgow, home, kick-off 2.30pm (weekend of Wales v France)

Friday, February 28: Ulster, away, kick-off 7.05pm

Sunday, March 23: Connacht, home, kick-off 3.05pm

Saturday, March 29: Zebre, away, kick-off 3pm

Saturday, April 12: Treviso, away, kick-off 6pm

April 18/19/20: Ospreys, Millennium Stadium

2/3/4 May: Scarlets, away

Saturday May 10: Treviso, home, kick-off 6.30pm