Filo Tiatia wants his Dragons to embrace the chance to showcase their talents at the national stadium when Judgement Day X explodes into life this weekend.
The Men of Gwent travel to the capital for the second game on Saturday as the BKT United Rugby Championship spectacular sees all four professional teams come together (kick-off 5.30pm).
Head Coach Tiatia is keen for his players to enjoy the occasion and admits with summer tours on the horizon it is a platform to push their cases.
“The concept of the derbies and bringing the teams together at the main stadium in Cardiff does generate energy and tribalism,” he said.
“These games are a chance for players to impress and particularly for those who aspire to play for their country.
“Yes, there is no Head Coach in place yet (for Wales) but this is an opportunity to showcase what they have.
“You look at us, we’ve had a lot of injuries this year, but we have players coming back from long-term injuries. How do they put themselves at centre stage or in the window to be picked? With games like this.
“That is exciting because there is a summer tour coming post season and lots to play for.
“There are players in these games who want to play for the Lions too so that is another opportunity for Welsh players to put their hand up.
“We have some young backs who are aspirational, the Welsh Under-20s players that could be looked at for the summer tour. Here is lots to play for.”
Dragons have four games left this season with back-to-back derby games before the trip to South Africa.
And Tiatia wants his players to finish the season on the front foot.
“We still have things to look to achieve and we’ve got six weeks left together now,” he concluded.
“We came back last week to start preparation and we have looked at ourselves and what we want to improve on.
“We have two derbies to look forward to, then a week to prepare before the lucky group go to Africa for two weeks. After that we have a review and wrap-up. There is still plenty of work to do.“
These games are a chance for players to impress and particularly for those who aspire to play for their country...
