Back row Aaron Wainwright admits Dragons will need to bring physicality and discipline when they face Emirates Lions in Johannesburg on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3.05pm UK time).
The Men of Gwent have spent this week training in Cape Town before heading north to Emirates Airline Park to face the Lions at altitude in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Wales international Wainwright admits there have been ‘honest conversations’ and players have taken accountability after the heavy defeat to Hollywoodbets Sharks in Durban last weekend.
But the 26-year-old believes Dragons will still play with confidence and belief as they look to finish the South African tour on a real high.
“It's always tough to come to South Africa and play them in their home stadiums,” said the back row, who has now made 96 appearances for Dragons.
“They are big guys who love the physical challenge. They pride themselves on that and we probably weren’t at the races (against Sharks).
“They want a set piece battle and to take you on up front. When they get a bit of momentum it's so hard to stop.
“We need to take the physical challenge to them and discipline will also be a massive factor – compare the Ospreys win to the Sharks game and there was a big difference.
“It's about starting well,” he added. “We did that against the Sharks but then there were silly mistakes and unforced errors.
“In the reviews there were things that I have held my hands up to. It's about sticking together as a collective and being as physical as we can be.”
Wainwright admits the manner of a 60-point loss last weekend still hurts the playing squad.
But he believes the squad can respond after a positive week of preparation in the South African heat.
He said: “It might sound silly after such a big loss, but I still think there is confidence in the group. If we can be a bit smarter at certain times, then I think things will click for us and work out better.
“Nobody wants to lose by 60-odd points, especially for your home region. It hurts looking at the game back and it's about remotivating to go again.
“That started in training and there is a lot of noise and chat in the group. Now it's about having the belief.
“We've recognised that it wasn't good enough and we've got to show we are capable of bouncing back,” he added.
“In training we are not feeling sorry for ourselves, we know what we need to do.
“We need to find that physicality to match South African teams, that has been the chat and the message for the week.”
In the reviews there were things that I have held my hands up to... It's about sticking together as a collective and being as physical as we can be...
