Newport Gwent Dragons travel to Guinness Premiership leaders Bristol Rugby for their Round 2 clash on Friday night with the mind games between the coaches off the field sure to be as keen as the contest on The Memorial Stadium.
Dragons' coach Paul Turner and opposite number Richard Hill know each other better than most both as opposing players and coaches, former Wales No 10 Turner declaring of the former England No 9: "Richard has done very well, he runs a tight ship at Bristol and there is a lot of competition for places.
"They have a lot of players who know how to win games – it is not always pretty, but it is very effective.
"Hilly was a long time at Gloucester before he went to Ebbw Vale, I know him well having played against him and I have got to know him very well over the years.
"He is very intense and does his homework. He will know us inside out, just like we will for his team.
"There were times against Bayonne when you could see just why we have lost a couple of games this season, turn-over ball, loose kicks, dropped off tackles, things like those cost us the win in Connacht.
"You can't fault the work ethic, but our training sessions are vital to make sure we go into games well prepared.
"It's difficult with players away on squad duties, but we are looking at contracts for next year, so it's an important part of the season for us.
"I feel we are moving on, but rugby issues and rugby drill issues are at the centre of how we move on, whether it's rapidly or whether we are just chugging along.
"Training this week will let us know how competitive we will be at Bristol on Friday."
