Dean Ryan has challenged Dragons to finish the season strongly and on a positive – as they prepare to face back-to-back games at Rodney Parade to bring the curtain down.
The Men of Gwent face Cardiff Rugby in front of a bumper crowd in the United Rugby Championship this evening (kick-off 7.35pm).
The following week the final game of the season sees Emirates Lions travel over from South Africa for a first ever game in Newport.
Ryan admits the squad are looking forward to the double-header of action on home soil.
He said: “We’re not a side that targets specific games, but we do want to finish strong.
“We look at performances and we are obviously without a significant number of our experienced players.
“We’ve had a focus for a long time about the growth of that group that play week in and week out. This is a great opportunity to see that growth.
“It’s an important game to ensure energy levels are right at the top.
“It’s been the most consecutive games some of these players have ever played so energy has been a huge focus for us this week.”
First up is Cardiff Rugby in Newport for a game that was originally scheduled to be played over the festive period before it was postponed due to Covid cases.
“It's a weird time to play in them because we should have played them over Christmas,” smiled Ryan. “Derbies are the foundation of our game, aren't they?
“There are opportunities with the Wales squad selected next week and lots of people will want to put a hand up and be on Wayne Pivac’s radar. A derby is the best platform to do that.
“Like us, Cardiff have had a tough run,” he added. “But derby games are a big motivation and I’m sure Cardiff will be in the same space as us and they will be looking to get a positive result.”
