Forwards Coach Mefin Davies admitted the region’s friendly with Scarlets A was about ‘understanding where we are at’ and getting crucial game time after watching a youthful Dragons XV lose out 36-10.
Dragons named a side crammed full of up and coming talent for the clash at Rodney Parade and also gave a number of senior players vital minutes.
And Davies believes the clash had achieved what the coaching team had hoped for as a number of players stood tall and showed they could make the step up.
“I do feel for a lot of the players because they train week in and week out for a long period of time without games,” he said.
“A lot of players have also come back from long-term injuries and you forget sometimes that is a first appearance for a long time. It’s nice to see them back on the field.
“Of course, you get caught up in the emotion of the game, as every player does, and you always want to win.
“This game was about understanding where we are at,” he added.
“You can train as often as possible, but in terms of managing the game and knowing what is required to get field position, that is what you learn.
“We’ve found out a lot about ourselves and also a lot about a different group of players.”
Dragons return to Guinness PRO14 action against Ulster a week on Sunday (October 25) and Davies admitted games like the friendly with Scarlets were needed to make sure players could step up.
“Anyone of these players could have a call-up at any point and they need to be in the best physical position possible to do so,” he added.
“Today was great for both teams to have a run out.
“Yes, it was competitive and, yes, there are things to work on for both sides. But the great thing is it is game time for both parties.
We’ve found out a lot about ourselves and also a lot about a different group of players...
