Forwards Coach Luke Narraway admits Dragons are eager for the pre-season test against Ospreys – but revealed how the squad will be managed in the coming weeks after a lengthy off season.
The Men of Gwent are back at Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 3pm) - 210 games since the club’s last outing.
New players Rodrigo Martinez, Corey Baldwin and former Osprey Cai Evans are set to feature after being named in a 31-man squad.
And Narraway believes the game is coming at the right time as Dragons look to start on the front foot while managing the load.
“We approach this like any other game but is a little bit different in that we have to consider game time and safety because we don’t want people playing 80 minutes,” he stated.
“We have named a 31-man squad, and we are covering all our bases to make sure we optimise the squad, get everyone minutes, and try out combinations.
“We want to be competitive and win. There is a caveat of minutes, and we are very aware that it is five or six months since some of the boys played a live game. Those that were injured, even longer.
“As an approach we have Ospreys and Scarlets and want to win both, but there is a bigger picture after such a long time off and making sure when we come to Edinburgh everyone has had a hit out and is ready.”
Dragons face Edinburgh, Cardiff Rugby, Leinster and Ospreys in a packed first month on home soil and Narraway acknowledged the desire for a good start.
He said: “It’s a big first block, it is in any season, and if you can get momentum going into the league campaign and success in the first few games, that stands you in good stead when the boys come back (from Wales).
“You want to peak at the right time, not be physically and mentally spent come the first game.
“We’ve spoken at great length about that. We feel we have done a good job, to look after the players when you train at high intensity but know the next game is 12 weeks away.
“We’ve put a lot of thought into it, as I am sure everyone has, and time will tell with the first block of games.
“We’re happy with how pre-season has gone. Don’t get me wrong, this game has come at the right time, and we need it.
“We are just looking forward to having a competitive match for 80 minutes and everybody getting a go. We can then look back, grow, and learn from it.”
Season Members are advised this pre-season fixture is included as part of your new package. We look forward to welcoming you #BackOnParade.
Tickets to the game are on sale NOW and priced at just £10 for Adults, Young Adults and Seniors. As we look to get the next generation in to watch the game on a Saturday afternoon, we have decided to make it just £1 for all our Juniors – fans aged 16 or under. To buy tickets to the game simply CLICK HERE or call the Ticket Office team on 01633 670690.
We have named a 31-man squad, and we are covering all our bases to make sure we optimise the squad, get everyone minutes, and try out combinations...
