Dixon returned from injury in the Rodney Parade region’s 25-11 triumph over Zebre on Sunday and is set to start against his old centre partner on Boxing day. The pair were a vital part of the the first team to beat New Zealand at that level with a 9-6 triumph at the Junior World Championship in South Africa two years ago.
And Dixon cannot wait for the crunch encounter at the BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park after securing their second PRO12 win of the season against the Italians.
He said: “Cory’s great on the ball and is a key man for them in defence so he’s one for us to look out for, I’ve got the utmost respect for him.
“Derbies are massive, everyone wants to play in them and the crowd will be bumping. We need to get two wins if we want to climb the table.
“They will be two tough games that we are looking to win. We put in a solid performance against Zebre that has given us a good platform to push on because it’s a massive period of the season for us now.”
Dixon, who turned 20 earlier this month, will have a key role to play for his home region with Ashley Smith sidelined for up to three months by a fractured jaw and Ross Wardle having damaged a shoulder against the Italian franchise.
“It was a frustrating couple of months so I am really happy to get some game time under my belt because it’s going to be a big couple of games now.
“It’s unfortunate for Ashley because he was playing well. His misfortune gives me a chance to get back in the No.12 jersey. It’s a chance for me to step up and perform.”
