IN SOME quarters World Cup-winning hooker Steve Thompson goes by the nickname ‘Banjo’ such are his shortcomings at the lineout.

The Englishman has been known to struggle with his throwing, leading some to wonder whether he could hit a cow’s behind with said instrument.

It was a similar problem that had left many to question whether Newport Gwent Dragons hooker Lloyd Burns could make it as a professional rugby player.

His destructive ball carrying and powerful tackling at Cross Keys made him one of the Premiership’s stand-out players.

It was only his prowess at the lineout that was up for debate, but the 26-year-old from Panteg is answering those questions.

Last summer he signed a dual-contract with Keys and the Dragons and gave up the day job as a bricklayer to train full-time.

The results have been clear – this season he has made 15 appearances and will start in Aironi tomorrow afternoon.

“The lineout was probably my downfall,” admitted Burns.

“But I have worked a lot on that part of my game and I am a lot more confident.

“The more you do it the better you get, so I will keep practicing on that part of my game and look to keep improving.

“Tom Willis and Steve Jones (the other two frontline hookers) have been a massive help.

“They passed on a few tips that I have tried to take on board and so far, so good. It has helped massively to be more involved with the Dragons. It was tough when I was just coming off the bench for the odd appearance here and there in the LV Cup. I was only on the fringes last year but I’m more involved now and looking to take my opportunities when they come along.”

There will be plenty more chances to impress before the end of the season.

Last week Burns came off the bench in the second half against Edinburgh when Willis suffered an injury to his left hand.

The New Zealander went under the knife this week and is likely to miss the rest of the season, leaving Burns battling for starts with Jones.

He will be part of a pack that is starting to gel and it is worth noting that four of the starters tomorrow – Burns, back row Andrew Coombs (Newport) and props Phil Price (Bedwas) and Dan Way (Newport) – have all earned their chance through making a mark in club rugby.

“There are plenty of boys in the Premiership who have got the ability to make an impression in regional rugby, they just need that chance,” said Burns. “But it becomes much easier when you are able to train full-time.

“I think I am improving through working on my game day in, day out rather than having to train after a day on the building site.”

Dragons: M Thomas, W Harries, P Leach, T Riley, A Brew, J Tovey, W Evans, P Price, L Burns, D Way, R Sidoli, L Charteris (captain), A Coombs, L Evans, J Bearman.

Replacements: S Jones, H Gustafson, B Castle, S Morgan, H Ellis, A Hughes, M Jones, M Petri.