MATTHEW Screech hopes that extra homework pays off with another strong Dragons performance in the tight tonight.

The Rodney Parade region take on Leinster in Dublin this evening (kick-off 7.35pm) knowing that it all starts up front, even though the champions are known for their enterprising approach.

The Dragons have been outmuscled by two Irish opponents in the rain, Munster and Connacht, but responded superbly against Glasgow last time out.

Their scrum and driving lineout was under the microscope in foul conditions in Newport but they held firm to emerge with a morale-boosting 18-5 win against title hopefuls.

"We put a lot of wrongs right from Connacht. We had a big emphasis on our tight game in training and it came through against Glasgow," said Screech.

"We were dominant throughout the 80 minutes, it was a shame that we let them in for a try at the end but it was a really good performance by the forwards.

"That Connacht game didn't show us in a good light but when we reviewed it there were just a few details that we needed to address.

"In the driving maul we lost the shoulder height battle, and we had an emphasis on that against Glasgow. That made things 20 per cent better even though it was just a minor detail.

"If we keep to that then I hope we have performances like Glasgow rather than Connacht."

The 27-year-old from Church Village is a key figure at the heart of the pack and has stepped up to the mark in the absence of injured Wales lock Cory Hill and Samoa forward Brandon Nansen.

Screech will start his 19th successive game at the Royal Dublin Society when partnering Joe Davies in the boilerhouse with 21-year-old prospect Max Williams their back-up.

He has taken the responsibility for the lineout and the hours on the computer at the training base in Ystrad Mynach will be tested by the towering presence of 6ft 11ins Ireland lock Devin Toner.

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"Normally Cory leads the lineout but I have taken on that mantle at the moment and it's something I really enjoy doing," said Screech.

"There's a bit of extra work, demanding that everybody knows their roles falls on my shoulders. I do stay behind and do extra but I am really enjoying that."

"We are a bit thin on the ground in the second row but it's great for me and I am getting lots of opportunities to play," he continued.

"I'd back myself when everybody is fit, hopefully when a few of the boys come back there will be stronger competition but at the moment I am really enjoying it.

"Training is still fierce but when Cory and Brandon are back they will make it even better, because we all want to play."

Leinster may not have their stellar names in the XV but the Dragons will still be put under strain in the Irish capital this evening.

However, Screech hopes the methods of new director of rugby Dean Ryan will ensure a strong display against a side who are four from four in the defence of their title.

"We are training harder, faster and better than ever before, so that will only ptu us in good stead for the rest of the season," said Screech.

"We have a decision-making group and Dean is challenging a lot of us in training, so we are learning more quickly.

"On a Tuesday he puts the pressure on quite a bit and decision makers have to step up and lead the session more. That brings a lot out of everyone.

"We know that Leinster are a very good team, especially in Dublin. They have a strong squad, it will be a big challenge but we expect a good performance from ourselves."