NEWPORT Gwent Dragons may be without their first-choice lock combination but former Wales international Rhys Thomas believes the 'calming influence' of Cory Hill will help fill the void.

Rynard Landman and Andrew Coombs had formed an impressive partnership at the start of the year but will be missing when the Dragons travel to Edinburgh for their European Rugby Challenge Cup semi-final.

The South African's six-week ban for catching Connacht's Jack Carty expires after the Murrayfield date while 10-times capped Wales international Coombs is set for a spell on the sidelines after injuring his left knee in the quarter-final win against Cardiff Blues.

But the performance of Hill in the tense 25-21 derby success means that it's not all doom and gloom.

The 23-year-old, who joined the Dragons from Moseley last season, thrived with the responsibility of being the only specialist lock, leading the way for makeshift partners James Thomas and Nick Crosswell.

And his leadership qualities impressed Thomas, who has been captaining the side in the absence of Lee Byrne and Landman.

Thomas, 31, said: "For a youngster he's got an old head on him and not just on the field – he's in a pool team and a darts team in Ponty... I think was in my year in school actually because he acts older than me!

"He is instrumental for us and calls the lineouts and gives me so much confidence because he knows my strengths and weaknesses, if I have missed a couple he knows where I like to throw it. He is so laid back and a really calming influence."

Matthew Screech and Ian Gough are other lock options for Sunday's Guinness Pro12 clash with champions Leinster at Rodney Parade (kick-off 4.15pm) while there are selection headaches all over the park.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones has plenty of thinking to do with the semi-final looming and Thomas believes his controversial calls were spot-on for the Blues derby.

Taulupe Faletau was left on the bench with the in-form trio of James Thomas, James Benjamin and Nick Crosswell getting the nod.

"There were a lot of eyebrows raised when the team was announced with Toby and Nic Cudd on the bench but that's where we are trying to get to," said Thomas.

"When the boys have been missing – Cuddy injured and Toby in the Six Nations – we had a couple of wins, Ulster and Trev and Lyn kept faith in the team. That confidence gives a massive boost to the boys with the shirt."