Dragons duo Aneurin Owen and Rio Dyer have called on the squad to show character and resilience as they prepare to end the second block with a clash against Munster Rugby this weekend.
The Men of Gwent have made the long journey back from South Africa and attention immediately now turns to the visit of the Munstermen to Rodney Parade under the lights this Saturday (kick-off 7.35pm).
Captain Owen believes that the ‘disappointing’ defeat to Emirates Lions in Johannesburg is now an opportunity for the young players to take a ‘lot of learnings’.
The backline against Lions was filled with former and current academy talent - with Rio Dyer the oldest at 25.
“If we stay where we are, nothing’s going to change, but if we hold our hands up, be accountable, try and better ourselves I think that’s what shows character,” said Dyer, post-game on Saturday.
“I think if each one of us holds our hands up and tries to be the best we can I think that’s all we can ask for.
“If you make the mistakes, you don’t need to beat yourselves up, just keep working hard towards being the best player you can be.”
Recent injuries to experienced half backs Angus O’Brien and Rhodri Williams, along with Cai Evans, has given opportunities to players like Che Hope, Morgan Lloyd and Huw Anderson to play alongside the likes of fellow Academy products Harri Ackerman and Joe Westwood.
“We have quite a small squad and it’s great that youngsters from the Academy get opportunities to play and represent the club as well,” said Owen.
“The young boys have been great in adding energy and if they keep doing the more it’ll improve them when they play.
“We’ll take a lot of learnings (from Lions). As a group we need to learn quickly and start actioning some of those.”
Dragons return home to face Munster, a side they beat thanks to a memorable Dyer try the last time the two sides met at Rodney Parade.
“I always love playing at Rodney Parade, so that’s going to be a big boost to the squad,” added Owen.
“We have quite a few injuries, so it's going to be a lot of the same boys who are going to have to step up again. There needs to be a reaction because Saturday wasn't good enough.”
