Dean Ryan believes his Dragons showed that lessons in the early part of the season have been learnt as they earned back-to-back Guinness PRO14 victories.
The Director of Dragons Rugby was in upbeat mood after watching his team edge past Glasgow Warriors 23-22 at Scotstoun Stadium.
And he believes keeping the opening weeks of the season - against the unbeaten Irish provinces - in perspective has paid dividends for his squad.
“We always tried to keep the first part of the season in some perspective,” he said.
“You have to remember we played three big Irish provinces and went away to Leinster when they had a full side and people like Jonny Sexton at ten. I haven’t seen that for a few years.
“Those type of games are tough at any time; we recognise that is where we are trying to get to.
“We said we couldn’t afford to let that divert from truly where we are at and the lessons we have learnt. We’ve got to go and show that.
“Playing sides that are closer to where we are is when we have got to show our improvements. The last two weeks we have done that.”
Ryan was also full of praise for the young guns who fired so impressively north of the border.
Lock Ben Carter was given his first Guinness PRO14 start while the likes of Ellis Shipp, Jared Rosser and Taine Basham also came into the starting line-up.
“There is a difference between giving players a go and knowing that they are ready,” stated Ryan.
“I made a selection call that I felt would help us tonight and I thought players like young Ben Carter were outstanding.
“The guys who came off the bench also made a real impact and influenced the game.
“It was a great team effort, it has been a tough couple of weeks coming off the back of the break, and I was pleased we could get the win.”
Playing sides that are closer to where we are is when we have got to show our improvements. The last two weeks we have done that...
