Newport Gwent Dragons flanker Nic Cudd will lock horns with his former club Scarlets on Friday night but the 25-year-old is determined not to let emotion spoil the occasion.

The Dragons visit their Welsh rivals short on form, having picked up just three points from their last six RaboDirect PRO12 matches.

They have not won away from home in the competition since a trip to Glasgow Warriors in round eight and they have won just once at a fellow Welsh region since 2007.

However, the Dragons were victorious 23-16 when they last met Scarlets in the RaboDirect PRO12 and victory on Friday will result in a first season’s double over them since 2007/08.

Director of rugby Lyn Jones has re-installed Pat Leach in the centres, alongside Jack Dixon, while Bruce Douglas replaces Duncan Bell at tight-head.

Skipper Andrew Coombs returns to the second row and Lewis Evans moves to the blindside, accommodating Cudd at openside with Taulupe Faletau completing the back row.

“It's just another game,” said former Scarlet Cudd. “If I have too much of an agenda it might affect my game in a negative way.

"It's my old team but that's about it. It just didn't work out for me at the Scarlets – I had quite a few long-term injuries and didn't have so many chances.

"I've played a lot of games for the Dragons and I think the Scarlets were happy that I was able that I had the chance to play professionally elsewhere.

“We started the season quite well and were mid-table until February but it has been disappointing since then.

“Hopefully we can improve again tomorrow evening and against Treviso because we want to finish the season on a high."

Scarlets require just two points to secure a sixth-place finish in the table and European qualification – and their home form is strong.

Simon Easterby’s side have won their last five games at Parc y Scarlets in all competitions and have not lost there in the RaboDirect PRO12 in 2014 – though they are yet to record a league win against a fellow Welsh region this season.

Club captain Rob McCusker returns from injury to take his place at No.8 with Josh Turnbull moving to the flank, while Steven Shingler and Olly Barkley come into the Scarlets back line.

And forwards coach Danny Wilson is eager to see them get back to winning ways, following defeat at Cardiff Blues last time out.

"We don't want to lose two derbies on the bounce,” said Wilson. “There's a lot of pride in the group and our intentions is to put things right from last week. We'll be looking to bounce back with a good start and a good performance.

"Dragons have played big sides in recent weeks and have put in some big performances despite not coming away with the results.

“We were all disappointed with the result when we lost away from home and we most certainly won't be taking them lightly.”

At Parc y Scarlets, 7.05pm. Live on BBC WALES
Referee: Leighton Hodges (WRU, 38th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Gwyn Morris, Kelvin Shorte (both WRU)
Citing Commissioner: Ray Wilton (WRU)
TMO: TBC