Newport Gwent Dragons and Wales hooker Lloyd Burns will once again be at the front line of a Dragons side aiming to get one over regional rivals the Ospreys at Rodney Parade this Friday (7:05pm).
“It’s going to be a massive challenge against the Ospreys, they have a full international front row. Adam Jones is a British & Irish Lion and they’ve all had a lot of recognition during their rugby careers. It’s going to be a real test for us but we just have to treat them as we would any other opposition.”
The Ospreys sit second in the RaboDirect PRO12 and won last week at home to the Cardiff Blues. “The Ospreys are currently the top ranked Welsh side and are a team full of superstars. We have got the underdog tag for this game and hopefully that will bring out the best in us.”
On the Dragons pack and particularly in the front row Burns has clear targets and recognises the improvement that the Dragons have made in that area. “Hopefully we can give them a surprise with our front row. We want teams to face us knowing we will provide a very physical challenge and that they will have to front up on the day if they are to beat us.”
“As the weeks have gone on the scrum has got better and better. We’re working on it all the time and there are visible improvements. As time goes on we will get on top of it and we aim to be known as a strong scrummaging side.”
“We have some youngsters in the front row who are growing into the role. Nathan Buck has been chucked in at the deep end a bit but he has done very well.”
On the Dragons’ start to the season Burns gave an honest assessment of both his and the Dragons’ form. “It has been frustrating for the team so far this season, in games we have dominated possession and territory and they were games we should have won but they haven’t gone our way at the final whistle. If we just keep dominating territory and possession, hopefully, we will get the run of the green and win a game. Hopefully then we can get the ball rolling and win a few.”
“The lineout has not gone too well, it’s unacceptable and it is down to me. You have got to be your own harshest critic, but it is plain for everyone to see when you are not throwing the ball in straight. In this professional era you have got to be critical of yourself and work hard to put things right. I am a regional and international rugby player now and more is expected of you. It is inexcusable to have poor performances, you just can’t get away with it. It’s not through lack of hard work, it’s something that I have put a lot of effort into since moving to hooker and something I will always have to put a lot of effort into.
“I think I am doing well around the park. I just need to nail down the set-piece and I know I have to do that if I am to be in contention for the Six Nations. There are lots of hookers, throughout the regions who are all quality players and could contend for a Wales place so I can’t make any mistakes on Friday night.”
