THE Rodney Parade fans are fast gaining a reputation for the strength of their support and the atmosphere they generate.

Now appeals are going out for more of the same for tomorrow night’s derby against Cardiff Blues.

The last three Magners League home matches against Munster, the Ospreys and Edinburgh have drawn crowds in excess of 7,000 and there could well be a full house 10,000 for the biggest derby of the season with both teams in with an outside chance of making the play-offs.

And the fans have shown they can have a major influence, their efforts against the Ospreys unsettling a few established players, notably Wales and Lions scrum half Mike Phillips who reacted on a couple of occasions.

Former Dragons outside half Ceri Sweeney could be on the receiving end tomorrow, and woe betide him if he slices a kick into the stand, but to be fair to him he has been one of the reasons why the Blues backs have hit their straps recently and he is a pretty spikey character anyway.

Influential Dragons captain Tom Willis, for one, appreciates the efforts of the fans, though as a New Zealander he is well used to reaction from the crowd.

“We’re very proud playing at home and we take a lot from the local community supporting us. Our home record has been reasonably good and we acknowledge the crowd when they push us and drive us forward,” he said.

“But it’s all part of the gamesmanship and it’s grist to the mill and other grounds like Ravenhill come to mind.

“I came here for something new and to help move the team forward. This year we’ve had very good coaching and we have performed consistently and are really growing.”

Coach Paul Turner said, “The support was great again on Sunday and the last three home games have been pretty special affairs.

“Cardiff Blues are the form side in the Magners and they seem to have got all their big players bringing their A game.

“They’ve changed it round a bit but they will probably still turn up with a full international side.”