Here's his programme comments ahead of tonight's game,
"Friday night games at Rodney Parade are always special occasions and I’m sure this evening will be no exception with an English Premiership team coming over the bridge to face us," said Jackman.
"I was very pleased with our opening display in the tournament last weekend in Romania. There were lots of areas we could improve on, but we scored eight tries, got the bonus point wrapped up by half-time and everyone got a run. It was fantastic to see Rhys Lawrence and Rhodri Davies make their senior debuts for the region.
"We’re in a very competitive pool so it was important to get off to a strong start and look to take ten points off Timisoara Saracens over two games. We achieved the first half of that. It is always difficult to go away on a long trip and return home late on Sunday evening, but the players dealt with it well and it was a professional performance.
"Northampton need little introduction after we met in pre-season and I’m sure the Saints will see tonight as do-or-die if they want to qualify. Last weekend they came up against a Clermont side that have toppled all before them in the Top14. However, I watched Northampton live at Bristol earlier this season and know they are a quality side. They have a new coach in Chris Boyd, who will be eager to put his stamp on the team, and have a strong pedigree in this competition, as two-time winners. Tonight will be a good barometer of where we are.
"We were delighted for the six players that were this week named by Wales for the autumn internationals. It was recognition of their form and the progress we are making as a region. We were disappointed for others and the challenge now is to gel even more as a team and ensure more players win call-ups. We are proud that we are the most Welsh region by far, with 22 out of our 23 match day squad for most games Welsh qualified. This gives our players the best opportunity to impress the Wales set-up and when we sign quality players they know they have a fantastic platform at the Dragons to push their claims.
"In terms of team selection, we welcome Jared Rosser back into the squad tonight while Hallam Amos is also not far away from a return. There is often a massive spike in injuries at this time of year so credit to our medical team for the work are doing. We are missing Arwel Robson and Gavin Henson and so this week Jason Tovey joined us to help with training. Jason played a big part in our past and has been good enough to train with us, while he plays his club rugby down the road at Cross Keys. We thank him for his efforts and adding quality to our preparations this week.
"Finally, congratulations to our captain, Cory Hill, who this evening will lead the team out on his 100th appearance for the Dragons. Cory has been a fantastic servant and leader for our region so please raise your voices and show your appreciation as he reaches a major milestone."
CLICK HERE to secure your ticket's for tonight's game, which are available to collect on arrival from the collections booth at Gate 4.
