As the Guinness PRO14 counts down to completing all fixtures to Round 11, Dragons will host Connacht on Friday night in one of just three remaining rescheduled games.
This Round 5 fixture was originally scheduled to take place in early November and now provides rugby fans with some Friday night action ahead of the Guinness Six Nations kick-off this weekend.
Dragons v Connacht Rugby – Match Preview
It’s a Cross-conference clash between Dragons seeking to apply pressure on third-placed Ospreys in Conference A and Connacht, who need a win to maintain a realistic chance of ousting Munster for top spot in Conference B come Round 16.
Dragons have shown plenty of evidence of progression under director of rugby Dean Ryan this season and are looking to improve their home record.
Connacht come into the game having won three consecutive away fixtures, but have not achieved four in succession since 2002.
However, Andy Friend’s men have held the upper hand against the Welsh region in their previous two meetings with no win for Dragons against the Irish province since September 2017
Location:
At Rodney Parade, Newport – 7.35pm kick-off
Officials:
- Referee: Craig Evans (WRU, 17th competition game)
- Assistant Referees: Ben Whitehouse, Adam Jones (both WRU)
- TMO: Sean Brickell (WRU)
Overall Guinness PRO14 head to head record:
Played 31, Dragons won 11, Connacht won 20.
Did you know?
- Dragons most recent victory in the Guinness PRO14 was by a single point at Glasgow Warriors on 5 December.
- Dragons have won just once at Rodney Parade in any competition since last February: 26-18 over Zebre in October.
- Connacht’s only victory since early December was the notable scalp of Guinness PRO14 champions Leinster at the RDS Arena on 2 January.
- Connacht have won their last three away games in the Championship but have not won four in succession in the PRO14 since the fledgling days of the tournament in 2002.
- Connacht have won their last two fixtures against Dragons since the Welshman’s 21-8 victory at Rodney Parade in September 2017.
