George Nott has called on Dragons to produce a big performance and display that truly reflects them in the European showdown with Glasgow Warriors on Saturday (kick-off 5.30pm).
Second row Nott will partner the fit-again Ben Carter at Scotstoun Stadium as the Men of Gwent bid for a place in the quarter-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
And Nott is eager for Dragons to respond from the disappointment of derby defeat last weekend in the right manner.
“We were bitterly disappointed as a team and individuals, not just with the result but our performance. That was not us, it was not a good reflection of us,” he said.
“We let ourselves down and played as individuals at times, going away from our game plan.
“We spoke about how important discipline was, because the Ospreys have a good set piece, and our discipline was awful.
“It doesn’t matter where you are in the league when it comes to knockout rugby. We've hit a bit of a lull in the URC, so this is a chance to get momentum back,” he added.
“Get a great result and we are firing into the end of the season; all you need is one good game. After such a disappointing result this is perfect for us.”
Nott believes Dragons have made progress this season despite results and has spoken passionately about the squad at Dai Flanagan’s disposal.
“We are an ambitious squad. that doesn’t mean success will come immediately. We are on a long-term journey and know, as a collective, we have to stick together,” he said.
“The squad is not going to change much for the next couple of years and we have a plan here.
“Internally, we know the progress we have been making and largely we have shown that on the pitch, with the exception of last week.
“A few times we have got our wins when people have written us off. We are in the knockout stages and are going up there to win.
“It's not just the talent in the team, there is a culture I've never seen before of grafters. Most of the squad are from the region and really care about the club.”
A few times we have got our wins when people have written us off... We are in the knockout stages and are going up there to win...
