LOCK Cory Hill has pledged that Newport Gwent Dragons will play as hard as ever against Leinster's powerful pack tomorrow afternoon despite the European semi-final on the horizon.

Lyn Jones' side welcome the Guinness Pro12 champions to Rodney Parade (kick-off 4.15pm) before switching their focus to Friday's Challenge Cup clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield.

Leinster also have a last-four encounter to think of and their larger budget and squad means that they are able to tinker with their XV ahead of a Champions Cup humdinger with Toulon.

However, the Dubliners still boast an all-international front row of Jack McGrath, Richardt Strauss and Martin Moore while Ireland lock Mike McCarthy joins forces with Ben Marshall in the second row.

Jamie Heaslip and Sean O'Brien may be missing from the back row but the trio of Dominic Ryan, Shane Jennings and Jack Conan complete a front eight that is sure to take it to the Dragons.

"Leinster have a very big pack and a good lineout and scrum," said Hill. "It will be a good test for us to see if we can nail them down and then rest up ready for Edinburgh.

"The boys will go out there like a normal week; we train hard and play hard. You don't go out there thinking about the next game, we will target Leinster and look to get the win."

Not since 2007, when Paul Turner's side made the last four of the Challenge Cup, have the Dragons had a hectic schedule to contend with in the closing months of the campaign.

They are hoping to finish above Cardiff Blues in the Pro12 as well as earning a spot at the Twickenham Stoop cup final, meaning that there will be no switching off until the final whistle against Munster in Cork on May 16.

"The club has been waiting for a long time to do well in a competition. To do well in Europe is great for the fans, the club and players," said Hill.

"It's the business end of the season. Leinster is a massive game, so is Edinburgh and then there is Judgement Day. The boys are looking forward to it – we've got a big few weeks and just have to dig in and enjoy it."

Hill is one of the key players that director of rugby Jones will be praying comes through unscathed.

The 23-year-old was hugely impressive against the Blues when he taking responsibility as the main lineout option in the absence of early injury victim Andrew Coombs.

James Thomas, who was also forced off in the opening exchanges of the second half after a blow to the head, is his second row partner tomorrow afternoon with Matthew Screech back-up on the bench.

"It wasn't nice losing such an experienced member of our squad last week but the boys clung in and put in a great shift," said Hill.

"Coombsy is injured and Rynard Landman is suspended but we're fortunate to have a players who can step in and be busting to take their chance."