CENTRE Tyler Morgan says Newport Gwent Dragons must go on the attack in their European Challenge Cup semi-final against Edinburgh, declaring that not many teams can handle them when they hit their straps.

The Dragons have played some stunning rugby on their travels in Europe, bagging bonus point victories at Stade Francais, Bucharest and Newcastle.

Morgan played a starring role in the North East of England with his display helping to earn a spot in Wales' Six Nations squad.

And the 19-year-old from Caerleon believes an expansive approach has been key to a four-match winning streak that has earned a semi-final place and gone some way towards changing the perception of the Dragons.

He said: "We are just trying to get everyone to stop thinking of us as the bottom region as Wales. It was frustrating because we knew that we were better than we had been playing at the start of the season.

"It's nice to show it with some decent performances and to score some good tries because when we do play and get the ball in our hands there are not many sides that can handle us when we are on form."

Morgan has just 18 regional appearances to his name and is thrilled to be within 80 minutes of helping the Dragons to a first ever final.

"This is my first full season so I'd be over the moon to reach the final," he said. "There have been a lot of boys who have been here for a long time and not got near one so to have a trophy on the horizon is big for the club."

The Dragons have won 12 of 17 games since December with their European exploits helping them to better results in the Guinness Pro12.

"We've grown and grown as a team and have been rewarded with a semi-final," said lock James Thomas.

"We did have some poor results at the start of the season but there were five or six changes every week and when we were able to keep the same side, especially in the pack, we made improvements.

"We wish the season was going on for longer because we feel that we are getting better every week."

Thomas will be to the fore as the Dragons attempt to enjoy parity at least with the Scottish side's strong tight five.

"Edinburgh will be big up front but we are a completely different team to the one that played them at the start of the year.

"If we can manage their scrum and driving lineout then we are in with a good shout," he said.

"Edinburgh were poor against Munster last week (when beaten 34-3) but at 50 minutes it could've gone the same way for us against Leinster (winning 25-22 after trailing 22-8). They will be a lot better tonight (FRI)."