Forwards Coach Ceri Jones admits Dragons must prepare to face an ‘arm wrestle’ when they face French giants Castres Olympique at Rodney Parade in the European opener.
Dragons launch the region’s European Challenge Cup campaign with a tough opener against the Top 14 side in Newport on Saturday (kick-off 3pm.)
And Jones is looking forward to the challenge as Dragons look to make a winning start to Pool 1.
“I think we had a pretty good precursor to what is to come in our game with Edinburgh last Friday. That was an arm wrestle too.” he said.
“We know they are going to come heavy; we know they are going to come with a big forward pack. That is what we faced in Scotland and what we have faced a few times this season.
“We are getting better in that area and we know we are going to have to move the ball around a bit too.
“You need that balance to our game. You have to front up, you have to physically match and dominate in certain areas. But you also want to be able to expand your game and play a bit.”
Castres secured a narrow win two-point over Brive last weekend but are only 11th in the French table and Jones acknowledges it is hard to decipher how strong them will come.
“They have had quite a hard start to the Top 14 so we are not entirely sure what team they will send over - but we prepare for them fully loaded,” he added.
“It’s a huge challenge because they are big, big men, but it is a challenge we are looking forward to facing.”
Tickets remain on sale NOW for the European opener with Castres at Rodney Parade. Click HERE to buy your tickets and get ready for the return of European rugby.
You need that balance to our game... You have to front up, you have to physically match and dominate in certain areas...
