Back row Aaron Wainwright knows Dragons must handle the pace when they face Toyota Cheetahs in the Guinness PRO14 this evening (kick-off 6.35pm).
Dragons flew from their Cape Town training base on Friday to Bloemfontein for the clash at altitude at the Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein.
And Wales international Wainwright insists Dragons must be ready to face a quick and expansive style from their South African hosts.
“We have got to prepare for another very fast and expansive game,” he said. “We’ve had a look at them and what their strengths and weaknesses are and how we can look to try and exploit that.
“We’ve got to stop what they are good at, but we all expecting a fast game and high tempo from the start.”
Wainwright insists there were a number of positives to take from the opening tour game with Isuzu Southern Kings that ended in an 18-18 draw in Port Elizabeth.
But he acknowledged a ruthless edge will be needed in the Cheetahs game to end the long wait for an away victory in the league.
“I thought there were a lot of positives to take from the Kings game, although it was frustrating not to get the win,” he said.
“We made a lot of chances and made things happen, but perhaps we didn’t get our finishing touch quite right. That is a big work on this week, taking those chances when we create them.
“We defended well in parts but we’ve reviewed the game and there are some technical areas we need to sharpen up and take into the Cheetahs game.
“I’ve enjoyed the tour so far,” he added. “We had a good few days in Port Elizabeth before the Kings game and then travelled down to Cape Town to prepare for the next game.
“We’ve had some recovery in the sea, which is a little different, and the facilities over here have been absolutely spot on.”
Season Membership renewals for the 2019/20 campaign on sale NOW! Click HERE for more information.
We’ve got to stop what they are good at, but we all expecting a fast game and high tempo from the start...
