FRIDAY is the big one – a Magners League firecracker between the two form teams in Wales whose back divisions are on fire and scoring tries for fun.

Newport Gwent Dragons go head to head with their biggest rivals Cardiff Blues with both teams mounting a late charge to get into the inaugural play-offs.

The pair are mid-table, four and six points off a possible play-off spot, with the Dragons two points ahead of their neighbours.

And while any game between them will attract a big crowd this one looks like being a full house because the play-offs have added much needed momentum to the end of the season.

The Dragons boast a proud home record, with only one league defeat at Rodney Parade this season, ironically against the Scarlets who are now the bottom-placed Welsh team.

But they come up against a team which has won three away games on the bounce in great style, against Ulster, Newcastle and the Scarlets, so something has got to give.

The Dragons have swept aside major opposition in their last three home league games, all teams above them, scoring 13 tries against Munster, the Ospreys and Edinburgh.

And all 13 have been scored by backs which speaks volumes for the work being done by Darren Edwards as attack coach.

Against Munster Aled Brew, Martyn Thomas and Will Harries crossed, against the Ospreys Brew, Harries and Matthew Watkins made it and against Edinburgh Harries nabbed a hat-trick and Thomas, Ashley Smith, Wayne Evans and Richard Fussell got one try apiece.

The Blues have revived big time, partly due to the formidable centre partnership between New Zealander Casey Laulala and Jamie Roberts, who has got five tries in his last four appearances. Full back Ben Blair has also maintained his superb form.

The Dragons have a score to settle with their rivals after being overwhelmed in the second half of their first game at Christmas.

But Edwards is delighted with his charges. “That was great against Edinburgh and I was happy for them individually as well as stepping up to the plate collectively,” he said.

“Confidence and awareness are involved a lot. I’m giving them goals and targets and they’re responding.

“We review their contributions and give them a licence which does reflect in their performances. A lot of stuff is going on behind the scenes and I saw training ground transfer during the Edinburgh game with players taking things on to the pitch with them and then having the belief to see it through.

“Will Harries has gone to another level while Aled Brew and Richard Fussell were established and there’s not a better game controller in Wales than Wayne Evans.

“If we want to achieve we’ll make the play-offs. It’s always been a happy camp, but it’s about being progressive now and the average age of the squad. With our signings we’ll demonstrate our intent and they will fit the mould of our team.”