But victory last time out against Edinburgh has given a much-needed boost to a season that was in danger of petering out into insignificance.

And the 34-year-old Thomas, who starts for the province on Saturday against an Aironi team that have never beaten a Welsh outfit, admits now is the time to produce their best.

"There's pride for the team, for the jersey and as an individual. You love playing and you don't want to lose, that should always be there," he said.

"It brings added pressure, but one good win can things turn around for us.

"There's not that much we can look back on to be proud of, we can be going well one season then not do so well the next season.

"It's down to a combination of things, and we've had a lot of those this season."

The Dragons make three changes for their trip to Italy as scrum-half Joe Bedford is withdrawn with a shoulder injury, allowing Wayne Evans to come into his place.

In the forwards there is a shuffle in the back row where Darren Waters is rested after taking a knock so Thomas moves to open-side flanker while Tom Brown is promoted from the bench to start at No.8. The final change is in the front row where Phil Price starts at prop in place of Nathan Williams.

Aironi are boosted by the return of New Zealand No.8 Nick Williams after a shoulder injury kept him out of the line-up for the best part of three months.

Despite this long period on the sideline the five tries scored by Williams in the seven matches played still make him the leading try scorer of the Italian side and his return will certainly give Aironi more offensive options.

There are two changes in the backs for the Italians, who have won their last two home games in the RaboDirect PRO12.

Matteo Pratichetti will play on the wing, replacing Giulio Toniolatti who is called up by the Azzurri for the Six Nations clash in Dublin.

At the same time Roberto Quartaroli returns from the national team to play outside centre alongside Gabriel Pizarro and Alberto Benettin is confirmed at full-back.

And it's not only Nick Williams who returns to boost the pack, Josh Sole is also back at blindside flanker with Nicola Cattina completing the back row.

Joshua Furno and Carlo Del Fava are confirmed in the second row and there are no changes in the front row, with Matias Aguero and Lorenzo Romano props and captain Roberto Santamaria hooking.

At Stadio Zaffanella, 4.30pm local time (3.30pm UK & Ireland)
Referee: Leo Colgan (IRFU, 6th competition game)
Assistant Referees: Stefano Roscini, Giuseppe Vivarini (both FIR)
Citing Commissioner:Maurizio Vancini (FIR)
TMO:Mauro Dordolo (FIR)

Live on Rai