Dragons prop turns attention to main prize

But Thomas reckons the strong finish by the pack will lift the Dragons when they head to France for Friday's Heineken opener.

Thomas said, "We've been looking to step up the intensity of our game heading into Europe, and the last two weeks against Wasps and Newcastle have been huge physical encounters.

"And the forwards have really stood up to the mark. We've shown that we can be as physical as any other side and that gives us great confidence going to France.

"All we have to do now is show a bit more composure, keep the ball more and stop giving teams headstarts because it's hard to chase the game."

The Dragons were always on the back foot against a Falcons side inspired by England international Toby Flood.

But Thomas, who chipped in with a brace of close-range scores, insists the game was there for the taking.

He added, "We switched off in the first half and it cost us the game. Although it wasn't a good first-half display, if we'd had a bit of composure at the end, we could have won it.

"It doesn't really matter to me who scores. It's always nice because I used to score a lot of tries, but I've had a barren spell. As long as the scrum is going well, that's the main thing."

South African-born Thomas hopes his performances this season will put him in the frame for selection for the international against his native country at the Millennium Stadium later this month.

"I was told I was left out of the World Cup squad because of a lack of game-time, but I've had that now," he added.

"Hopefully I've shown them I'm ready for the challenge and will do my best if selected."