Dai Flanagan has praised the ‘superb’ performance of hooker James Benjamin in the New Year’s Day win over Scarlets – and vowed to now standby the derby heroes when attention turns to European rugby.
Benjamin, who has converted from flanker to hooker in recent seasons, played the full 80 minutes at Rodney Parade and topped the tackle charts with 20.
Flanagan now must decide whether to continue with Benjamin - knwon as Jumbo to fans and team-mates - or look at Wales duo Elliot Dee and Bradley Roberts, or up-and-coming Brodie Coghlan, when the Men of Gwent travel to Italy.
Dragons travel to Parma to face Zebre next Saturday (kick-off 3.15pm) and then host the Sharks on Sunday, January 21 (kick-off 5.30pm).
“Jumbo was superb, and his rugby-playing ability adds to us, along with his work-rate and communication,” said Flanagan.
“You could hear him on the ref mic talking to people around him.
“The boys that have got the shirt deserve to keep the shirt,” he added.
We need to be a bit more ruthless, if you play badly then there is someone else ready to go. It was great to see the boys that we put into the side take a step forward.”
Flanagan was equally full of praise for Wales Under-20s international Harri Ackerman, 19 at the end of last month, caught the eye on his first professional start.
“What a night for him to play against Johnny Williams, who is one of the most physical 12s in the league,” said Flanagan.
“We will have the same approach as we had with Ryan Woodman, who has integrated into the team and was outstanding off the bench against the Scarlets.
“We had the ability to put him in at lock because we lost George Nott, who struggled all week with a neck spasm.
“With all our youngsters, they will go as far as they want to go. We will supply a quality programme and help them, but they are only with us for four or five hours a day, they are at home for the rest.”
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Jumbo was superb, and his rugby-playing ability adds to us, along with his work-rate and communication...
