Captain Angus O’Brien wants Dragons to channel derby day frustration into fuelling the club’s EPCR Challenge Cup bid as they prepare to face Montpellier under the lights this Friday evening.
The Men of Gwent launch the Euro bid with a clash against the powerful Top 14 giants in Newport (kick-off 8pm).
And O’Brien is eager to see a clinical 80-minute display after the bitter disappointment of the defeat to Cardiff Rugby last weekend.
“The derby was a game of frustration,” he admitted. “The way we started and the way we finished the game was what we were hoping for over 80 minutes. We have now got to produce that for the whole game against Montpellier.
“It is about converting opportunities when they come, because against a team like Cardiff they are going to punish you. That is what they did.
“There were some positives and fair play to Morgan Lloyd, that is the way he has been training and playing all season," he added.
“He was outstanding when he came on and he played with freeness and confidence.
“He gave us that spark that we were looking for, but it is bitterly disappointing because there was enough time in the game, and we felt like we were on top.”
Reflecting on leading the team for the first time, O’Brien admitted it was a bittersweet occasion.
“It was a huge honour to captain for the first time, but it would have been so much sweeter with a win,” he conceded.
“It was great to lead the team out, but I am gutted at the result, and we need to make amends starting on Friday at home.”
Tickets to watch Dragons RFC tackle Montpellier remain on sale NOW! Click HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690.
