Head Coach Dai Flanagan has demanded his Dragons are brave and not hide behind the club’s poor derby day record when they face Cardiff Rugby at Cardiff Arms Park on Boxing Day (kickoff 3pm).
The Men of Gwent finish 2023 with a highly-anticipated BKT United Rugby Championship Welsh derby clash with the local rivals.
Cardiff have won their last seventeen fixtures against the Dragons in the league since Dragons 23-17 victory at the Arms Park nine years ago.
But rather than shy away from that unwanted record, Flanagan has put it front and centre this week as his team bid to end the year on a huge high.
“Since I've arrived, we've played them three times and we've hidden behind it too much. We need to put on the table right in front of our face this week,” he stressed.
“I have made sure the group are aware of it. We need to change this record because it's not good enough.
“We can't live with this hindrance or this fear that's on our back every time we play Cardiff.
“We’ve got to be brave; we've got to face a front on, and we've got to look at it straight in the eyes and deal with it. That's on us come Boxing Day.
“We’ve been able to keep the ball for longer periods in games recently and we've been a little bit more ruthless in the red zone,” he added.
“That comes through hard work and a little bit more collision and we haven't dropped that off.
“It’s Christmas but we're professional and we need to make sure it's just another day of the week.”
Meanwhile, Flanagan has praised the impact of new coach Matt Sherratt in the capital and the attacking approach the team has adopted.
“I watched the European game against Bath, and it was like watching a game in fast forward,” he said.
“The speed of ball was unbelievable, the speed they played it was unbelievable.
“Matt Sherratt has a natural attacking mindset, you can see with all the teams he's worked with, they play a lovely brand of rugby.
“They also have a sternness and discipline to play in the right areas. That breeds success.
“Whether you like it or not, the facts of rugby are that the teams that kick the most usually win the most. It’s a smart rugby brain that knows to play in the right areas.
“They are living and breathing that so when they have the chance to go and express themselves in the right areas, they are quick, they are physical.”
Tickets for the home derby game with Scarlets - as well as our European game with Hollywoodbets Sharks - are on sale NOW – click HERE to buy online or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670 690 during office hours.
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We’ve got to be brave; we've got to face a front on, and we've got to look at it straight in the eyes and deal with it. That's on us come Boxing Day...
