Dragons RFC’s final pool round in the EPCR Challenge Cup comes down to a big home contest against South Africa’s star-studded Hollywoodbet Sharks on Sunday with Viaplay’s Tom Shanklin saying the Rodney Parade home advantage is a force to be reckoned with.
Dragons face a ‘must win’ fixture to secure their place in the knock-out stages as they host top of Pool 1 Hollywoodbet Sharks at Rodney Parade in Newport on Sunday evening. Watch all the action live from 5pm in the safe hands of the Viaplay team of Ross Harries, Tom Shanklin, Francois Louw, Martin Gillingham and Owain Gwynedd.
New to the Viaplay team and featuring on Viaplay’s live coverage at Rodney Parade this Sunday will be 76 cap Springbok World Cup 2019 winner Francois Louw. The respected former international flanker who retired from rugby in June 2020, also played for Bath from 2011 with 141 appearances.
Viaplay Rugby pundit Tom Shanklin, said: “The Dragons have got an unbelievable fan base. For a lot of games, Rodney Parade is packed and has a great atmosphere.
“I love going there, it’s one of my favourite grounds to go to, the fans are so hard core, which is a big plus when it comes to big games. They just support them all the way through whatever the results are.
“I love what they put on pre-game, I love the fact the changing rooms are a bit small, it's a bit tight, and the crowds are right on top of you, I love the fact there’s a stand with a fans terrace still. It's a proper rugby club.
“The Dragons need to get a win. When I look at their group they should qualify, they have left it late and it’s now down to the last game.
“Sharks have managed to find a little bit of form through the Challenge Cup. Out of all the teams in the URC, they have been the most underwhelming – they’ve had a bad start to the season and lack some confidence at the moment and have not been terribly good away from home.
“But the Sharks have some quality in there that does frighten me a little bit. They have got World Cup winners in their team. Grant Williams is one of the most exciting 9s around, there is a lot of quality in that team. If they click and get it right the Sharks are very dangerous side, which is a worry for Dragons.”
If you can’t make it to Rodney Parade watch live on Viaplay: Dragons RFC v Hollywoodbet Sharks Sun 21 January from 5pm with Ross Harries, Tom Shanklin, Francois Louw, Martin Gillingham and Owain Gwynedd. Rugby fans can follow every URC match live on the Viaplay streaming service and the Viaplay Sports 1 and Viaplay Sports 2 channels. Visit www.viaplay.com for more information. Viaplay is available on the Viaplay streaming service, Sky, Virgin TV, Amazon Prime, Samsung and Roku.
I love going there, it’s one of my favourite grounds to go to, the fans are so hard core, which is a big plus when it comes to big games. They just support them all the way through whatever the results are...
