AFTER slugging it out with a pair of double World Cup-winning Springboks legends in the summer, Dragons lock Matthew Screech is relishing another battle with hefty South Africans.

The second row forward will be a key figure in Saturday evening’s United Rugby Championship encounter with the Sharks at Rodney Parade (kick-off 5.15pm).

If the Dragons are to upset the odds then they need to at least match the visitors’ power game, with Screech & Co sure to be put under pressure at the set piece.

However, the only member of the starting home pack who is not an international is hooker Brodie Coghlan, and the tenacious 31-year-old will look to build on an encouraging start to the campaign.

The Dragons’ forwards can certainly give Warren Gatland a timely nudge for the autumn if they go well against the Sharks.

“They are big men but they are quick and skilful as well. They are proper athletes and you know that you are in for a physical game up front against South African teams,” said Screech.

“We are used to it now and I really enjoy it. I love the collisions and the battle up front, even when it is tough.”

JOY: Matthew Screech hopes to be celebrating another Dragons winJOY: Matthew Screech hopes to be celebrating another Dragons win (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

And, with plenty of respect, locks Jason Jenkins and Gerbrandt Grobler are not Eben Etzebeth and Franco Mostert.

Those legendary Springboks were in the boilerhouse when Screech and his club captain Ben Carter joined forces for Wales at Twickenham in the summer.

The fear was that Gatland’s pack would be steamrollered but the Dragons pair were part of a surprisingly strong display, even if it ended in a 41-13 defeat.

Screech won his second cap against the Boks and earned the call for the tour to Australia, featuring in the friendly win against Queensland Reds.

“It was amazing and I loved every minute,” he said about the tour. “I went into it saying to myself to have no regrets.

“The first time I was in the squad I had a bit of an injury and was in and out of the training sessions. This time I was in every session, played against South Africa, went to Australia and played against the Reds.

“It was an amazing experience and I learnt a lot from being in that environment and in all the sessions.”

Screech benefited from injury problems at lock to earn selection and believes he did enough to at least be in the conversation for the autumn internationals.

“I felt like they were happy with me and impressed in how I trained and carried myself, so if there is opportunity again then I’d hope they would be confident in picking me.

“I know that it’s tough because there were a few injuries in the summer and there are a lot of good young second rows coming through, but all I will concentrate on is playing well for the Dragons.

“If the opportunity comes round again then I’d just go in to have no regrets by giving my all.”

An approach that will serve him well against the Sharks.