Cardiff Blues’ only victory in their last seven RaboDirect PRO12 matches was 14-7 against Zebre in Parma on 25 November.

With only one victory in their last seven RaboDirect PRO12 matches, Cardiff Blues director of rugby Phil Davies admits the club need to head into the New Year in the right frame of mind – by beating Newport Gwent Dragons.

The Blues last win in the RaboDirect PRO12 came against the league’s bottom team Zebre at the end of November and they have also only won one of their last seven in all competitions at Arms Park – an Anglo Welsh Cup win against London Wasps.

Blues were edged out 9-6 by the Scarlets in wet weather conditions the last time out in the RaboDirect PRO12 and they now sit down in eighth place.

They have made four changes in the forwards from that game with hooker Rhys Williams coming in for the injured Marc Breeze, Sam Hobbs replacing Taufa’ao Filise, Lou Reed for James Down in the second row and Josh Navidi out for Robin Copeland.

And Davies called on his side to make sure a year of inconsistent performances ended on a high by coming out on top on Boxing Day against their Welsh rivals.

"We've had a tough few games, which we've enjoyed and we've put our shoulder to the grindstone and we've got to keep doing that," said Davies.

"We want to win that game [against the Dragons] and finish the year on a positive note, then move forward into 2013 and hopefully give the fans more to shout about and a few more wins to celebrate.

"We've just got to keep working harder and try and be smarter and grind out some wins.

"We're getting more competent in every area of the game. Our defence is improving, it was pretty good against the Scarlets [and our] set-piece is getting there.

"Our kicking game is good in parts. All aspects are pretty good with us, but it's the consistency at this level, the small margins that kill you.

"And at the moment we're not consistent enough and we're not closing out games that we perhaps may do with a bit more experience under our belt."

Toby Faletau returns for the Dragons in a new look back-row which includes captain Lewis Evans at blindside and Nic Cudd at openside.

Hooker Sam Parry has recovered from a dead leg to start while Will Harries, Andy Tuilagi, Phil Price and Nic Cudd also get the nod.

And having not played at the weekend Dragons director of rugby Robert Beale believes the extra rest could prove the difference.

"The fact that we've got a nice rest going into the game hopefully will benefit our players," he said.

"Any time we play the Blues it's a big day. There's that rivalry, they're probably our biggest rivals; historically they always have been and it's an important game for both regional organisations.

"Is it a must-win game? Using that term – I'm not really comfortable using that term.

"Our players, our coaches are focused on this game on Boxing Day and we will go there to win."

At Cardiff Arms Park , 2.05pm.
Referee: Leighton Hodges (17th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Ian Davies, Wayne Davies (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: John Charles (WRU)
TMO: Tony Rowlands (WRU)

Live on BBC Wales