Newport Gwent Dragons winger Hallam Amos says his side are gearing up for battle as they look to make it back-to-back wins over Welsh rivals Cardiff Blues in the GUINNESS PRO12.

The Dragons will host Cardiff at Rodney Parade on New Year’s Day for the second leg of the regional derby, having taken home a 23-17 win over the Blues at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park on Boxing Day.

A win would see tenth-placed Dragons leapfrog Cardiff in the PRO12 and Lyn Jones’ squad will be bolstered by the return of Welsh international Taulupe Faletau, who has been given the all clear following a knock during their win against Italian outfit Zebre on December 21.

Jones has also handed starts to fly-half Jason Tovey and scrum-half Richie Rees. Amos will keep his place on the left wing and Tom Pyrdie, who banked 13 points against the Blues on Boxing Day.

And Amos, who played a full 80 minutes on Boxing Day, said he is relishing the chance to build on their first leg advantage.

“First half especially we were really good and stuck to the game plan, got good territory and the points came,” he said.

“Across the park we played well and it was really nice to get the win. I’m really pleased with everyone’s performance. But as we said in the changing room it’s only half-time.

“We’ve got to consolidate this with a win tomorrow. It’s going to be a real battle at Rodney Parade.”

And while the statistics may be stacked against visiting Blues, the Cardiff outfit will be strengthened by the return of captain Sam Warburton.

The 26-year-old flanker missed the first leg with a shoulder problem and Blues boss Mark Hammett said the Welsh international skipper’s return is a welcome addition to the line-up.

“Sam is available,” said Hammett. “He has come through training and we will see how he comes through. Anyone with that experience and quality is going to be welcomed back.”

Warburton will be joined by a new-look front row of Gethin Jenkins, Kristian Dacey and Taufa’ao Filise, as well as a new half-back pairing of Tavis Knoyle and Gareth Anscombe.

Hammett, who is in his first season as Blues head coach, will be hoping for a repeat of the 2013 New Year’s derby where the Blues came away 21-13 winners to the Dragons, after losing the first leg 22-16.

“It’s all set up to be an incredible fixture,” he added. “All derby games are crucial and it was a real experience and honour to see what it means in the first game.

“If it’s the same intensity at Rodney Parade as it was at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park, it’s going to be very special again. I’ve been told it will be noisy at Newport, everything you would want and expect.

“It’s a good thing and you should embrace the diversity when you travel. We are looking forward to a big game kick-off 2015.”

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At Rodney Parade, 14.05pm. Live on BBC Wales
Referee: Ian Davies (WRU, 24th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Sean Brickell, Simon Rees (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Dennis Jones (WRU)
TMO: Derek Bevan (WRU)