Head Coach Dai Flanagan hailed a ‘ruthless’ display from his Dragons as a first half try burst saw them wrap up a 31-14 win over Scarlets at Judgement Day.
The Men of Gwent stormed into s a 21-0 lead at Principality Stadium inside 17 minutes courtesy of tries from Elliot Dee, Jordan Williams and Sio Tomkinson while Scarlet were down to 14 men.
A battling and disciplined show saw them hold onto the lead and add a final flourish courtesy of Steff Hughes late score for maximum points in the Welsh capital.
“We were ruthless in that first half period, we sensed a bit of weakness and our leaders really stood up – Angus O’Brien, Rhodri Williams, George Nott,” said Flanagan.
“It was nice to finish with a win and have something to build on moving forward.
“We were outstanding for the first 20 minutes and then we looked like a team desperate to get a win.
“We got scrappy and a bit loose, we lost a bit of shape, but the energy and effort was fantastic to see it home.
“We gave away too many penalties but our emotion was good. System-wise we were spot-on defensively.
“We won collisions, knocked the Scarlets back and then didn’t get tempted into going for the ball or to try and get them again. That composure will enhance our belief.
“We were superb defensively. We have had issues that [defence coach] Simon Cross identified about migrating at rucks and not scanning enough.
“We filled the field really well against the Scarlets and it helped bringing quality people back like Steff Hughes and Sio Tomkinson.”
Reflecting on the season, Flanagan added: “It has been turbulent throughout rugby in Wales and we just need to be really stable now, then we will see more performances like that.
“I’ve enjoyed my first season in charge. It’s my home region and it has been good learning. I’m sure we will be better for it.”
We were ruthless in that first half period, we sensed a bit of weakness and our leaders really stood up – Angus O’Brien, Rhodri Williams, George Nott...
