THERE wouldn't be too many interjections from the floor if the People's Front of the Guinness Pro12 pondered 'what have the Italians ever done for us?'

However, such a question would lead to plenty at Rodney Parade shifting uncomfortably in their seats given that another season of battling with Treviso and Zebre in the bottom echelons looks likely.

History shows that on the field Newport Gwent Dragons can be bracketed with their Mediterranean friends even if they bring more to the table off it (the fact that there is still no broadcast deal in place in Italy highlights this).

The Dragons' loss at the Stadio di Monigo last weekend was not a massive surprise even if the 27-11 scoreline was, nor was it a shock that Cardiff Blues were pushed all the way by a Zebre team who the previous week had only been denied a likely victory against champions Connacht by torrential rain.

Treviso are woeful travellers on a streak of 41 away games without victory but remain strong on their own turf and, like Zebre, undoubtedly put a red ring around their dates with the Dragons when the fixtures are announced.

Given that the Dragons endured an away whitewash in the Pro12 last season along with yet another Judgement Day defeat, they are not in a position of strength to criticise such Italian failings on the road.

The players and management wouldn't dream of doing such a thing and are concentrating on trying to get their own house in order, although any anger at the state of professional rugby in Newport isn't primarily directed at them.

As I have written on many occasions, when it comes to on-field matters we currently have to have realistic expectations and demands of what this side can achieve.

At the moment that is finishing above Treviso and Zebre plus potentially reeling in Edinburgh and exploiting a Connacht side who are finding things tougher after prospering in a World Cup year.

The Dragons are currently above the Scarlets but in truth that is unlikely to stay the case for long while the rapidly-improving Cardiff Blues are off to a flyer and the Ospreys will inevitably have a stronger season.

We are just a month into the season and a Pro12 schism has already taken place; the Dragons may have won just one game from four but they remarkably sit seventh (if the campaign were to end now they would match their highest finish since 2011!).

In reality we need some cheer and hopefully tomorrow's visit of Glasgow will provide an unexpected victory to give us all a lift.

It's fair to say that 2015/16 was a nightmare campaign for the Dragons with just four league wins and a low total of 26 points, but if that tally is to be bettered then they have five to make up after losing to Munster in Newport this time around plus failing to get consolation bonus points from Ulster and Treviso.

I just hope that there can be a spark to the season soon because enough decent folk have already grown tired of things. There were just 3,800 at Rodney Parade for Munster and it's likely to be just half-full again for Glasgow.

We've reached tipping point so many times yet nothing changes. Every season is like a Status Quo single, the name may be different but it sounds the same… and that isn't a good thing.

We hope that the search for fresh investment will come off in some shape or form but there remains a nagging doubt about what the future holds at Rodney Parade.

The 'Do Your Job' mantra of legendary New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick is one that runs through the organisation in Foxborough; work hard, concentrate on things in your remit, put the team first.

That's all we can ask of Kingsley Jones, his coaches and the playing staff and if they do that then the best we can probably hope for is eighth or ninth.

It's up to those in the corridors of power to ensure that expectations and standards are driven so winning that mini league is no longer the height of our ambition.

The Rugby Services Agreement is in place between the Welsh Rugby Union and the Dragons, Cardiff Blues, Ospreys and Scarlets until 2020 but, as the peril of Donald Trump shows, complacency is dangerous. We must not take professional rugby for granted here in the east.

An indication of where ambition (and funding) can get you comes with the visit of Glasgow to Newport.

The Warriors used to be peers for the Dragons but now they move in different circles and will be desperate to give boss Gregor Townsend, who has spearheaded so much of their good work, the send-off he deserves before taking the Scotland reins.

That Glasgow head to Rodney Parade in need of a big win after 'only' getting losing bonus points at Cardiff Blues and against Ulster, the two teams who are four from four, shows how expectations have changed since they've moved from Hughenden to Firhill to Scotstoun.

The Warriors won the title in Belfast in 2015 and will be in the mix to lift the Pro12 aloft in Dublin on May 27.

Games with Glasgow used to be gimmes for the Dragons, tomorrow's meeting presents the chance to provide some much-needed cheer with an upset against genuine contenders.