Boss Dean Ryan has spoken about the size of the challenge when facing fully-loaded South African sides on home soil – but believes his Dragons will take a huge amount from the two-week experience.
Dragons face a powerful Vodacom Bulls side at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.15pm UK time) in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan has been delighted by the warm welcome his squad have received as they settle into life in Pretoria.
However, with big crowds also back for this weekend’s fixture, he is under no illusions about the size of the test his team is going to face.
“The overwhelming thing has been the fantastic welcome that we have had,” said Ryan.
“We know it’s a real rugby heartland here and how pleased they are to be in our competition and welcome us to their shores.
“I’ve been fortunate enough to be here before, both at international level and for club or development roles. It is nice to come back with a team.
“However, they do tend to try lull you into a false sense of security because we know what is coming on Saturday. But at the same time, it is a great experience that we will learn from.
“It is a great indicator of the future and what good can look like. We know our challenges, but I want us to continue to move forward.
“People are starting to understand the strength of the South African sides in the URC,” he added.
“I have sat in many rooms when the decision to bring them in was all about the upside. Now we have got to face the power of what they are.”
Ryan has also revealed how Dragons have looked to tackle the Bulls and continue to look to improve by simplifying the game plan.
“The quality of the opposition makes it difficult for us, and the conditions are very new to us,” he said. “We also can’t hide from our last performance (against Munster) being a very difficult one.
“We have talked a lot about what it is we are going to simplify and what it is we are going to prioritise in our game, knowing we are going to be under pressure for the next few weeks.
“It has not been unusual for us to be under pressure, but it was unusual for us to play in a way that we did against Munster.
“We have used that as a catalyst to simplify things in the playing group so, as we integrate players back, we are on simple messages that we can talk about week-to-week.“
They do tend to try lull you into a false sense of security because we know what is coming on Saturday... But at the same time, it is a great experience that we will learn from...
