Former Dragon Jamie Roberts has backed milestone man Ross Moriarty to be a key figure when the Men of Gwent face Emirates Lions on Sunday afternoon at Ystrad Mynach (kick-off 1pm).
Viaplay’s live coverage of the EPCR Challenge Cup reaches the final pool round stages with coverage of three big matches this weekend with coveted places in the European knockout stages at stake.
It’s a big clash on Sunday at Ystrad Mynach as Dragons host Emirates Lions having returning home after a big win in Pau – the first time since 2015 that the Dragons have won away in France.
Both teams will be vying for a knockout place at Sunday’s game and are equal on points (8) with one win, one loss and one draw. The 31-31 draw was between these two teams at the Lions’ home in Johannesburg in Round One.
Now it’s the turn of the Dragons to host with home crowd favourite Moriarty playing in his 50th game for his region.
Roberts returns to his former Welsh region to join the Viaplay team for Sunday’s big fixture at Rodney Parade in Newport and is expecting big things from his former team-mate.
“Ross is a no-nonsense player, a good guy, an honest guy, he says it like it is. He’s just physical," said Roberts.
"Attack or defence he gives it everything and that’s something you respect. He is fearless. He has played at the highest level – remember he’s pulled on a Lions jersey as well. A wonderful guy and a wonderful player and it’s a great achievement for him.
“He’ll be gutted about not getting a Six Nations call-up for Wales but he will have a point to prove. The back row unfortunately is the most competitive position in Wales at the moment and players of quality are going to miss out. But one injury, and it’s an attritional position - don’t be surprised to see Ross back in the mix."
On the Dragon’s contest against a strong South African Lions team this weekend he said: “The Lions are a serious side, they are industrious, pragmatic and they have quality across the park. We’ll see Edwill Van der Merwe on the wing, I played with him at Stormers – he’s a top player and the Dragons will need to make sure they don’t underestimate him. He is a serious operator who can score tries from nothing.
“The Dragons will be tested up front, it starts with set-piece and maul. They know it’s coming. I can guarantee that 75% of the training week will have been around stopping big men getting across the advantage line. The Lions won’t play much rugby - it will be relatively risk free.”
Jamie Roberts will be part of the Viaplay team for its live coverage this Sunday from Ystrad Mynach of Dragons RFC v Emirates Lions in the EPCR Challenge Cup starting at 12.30pm with Ross Harries, Thinus Delport, Martin Gillingham and Lauren Smith.
Rugby fans can follow EPCR Challenge Cup matches live on the Viaplay streaming service and the Viaplay Sports 1 and Viaplay Sports 2 channels. Visit www.viaplay.com for more information.
Ross is a no-nonsense player, a good guy, an honest guy, he says it like it is. He’s just physical...
