Centre Steff Hughes believes Dragons RFC can take confidence from the opening game of the South African tour – but acknowledges the size of the challenge ahead this weekend.
Hughes was a key figure as the Men of Gwent battled away to a narrow 33-25 defeat to the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg in Round 8 of the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Next up is the champions – the DHL Stormers – at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha on Saturday lunchtime (kick-off 12noon UK).
Hughes said: “We’ve got a lot of confidence to take out of the first game of the trip. When we go back in a few weeks we will look to build on that. “We played some really good stuff, and we really tested the Lions at times.
“We dropped the ball over the line a few times which, if we score one of those, it’s a different story.
“It’s going to be a tough encounter this weekend,” he added.
"The Stormers played really well last week against the Scarlets, so it is going to be a real physical test.
“We’re excited to be down training in Port Elizabeth and hopefully we can improve on the Lions performance.”
Hughes is also enjoying the trip which sees Dragons spend 18 days in South Africa and face three fixtures.
“Hopefully we can get a couple more rounds of golf in too,” smiled Hughes.
“The weather is fantastic here, so we were all looking forward to getting to the sea (and Port Elizabeth).
“It’s a beautiful country so we are looking to enjoy the people, the food, the experience and the rugby.”
We’re excited to be down training in Port Elizabeth and hopefully we can improve on the Lions performance...
