Head Coach Filo Tiatia admits he is looking forward to seeing Rodney Parade ‘packed out and noisy’ for a ‘special’ derby game with Cardiff Rugby on Friday night.
A bumper crowd will descend on the home of the Men of Gwent for the derby clash in the BKT United Rugby Championship under the lights (kick-off 7.45pm).
And ahead of the game, Tiatia has spoken about the importance of the derby double-header– with Ospreys to follow next week – and with the Wales squad for the autumn also being gamed on Tuesday.
“Two important games coming up. Cardiff first and then Ospreys next week,” stated Tiatia.
“They are exciting and special games. The Welsh lads want to be part of it, they are all scrapping for an opportunity. Cardiff will be no different.
“I used to play against Cardiff, when I played for the Ospreys, and it was always quite tasty against the other foreigner players on the other team.
“The Welsh internationals know it’s important with selection coming up. They are fighting for an opportunity to represent their country.
“The Welsh coaches have been around the clubs, which is awesome to see, so they can see players put their hands up and say: ‘pick me’.
“It’s special on a Friday night here and tickets are selling well,” he added. “It will be a great to see Rodney Parade packed out and noisy, both Cardiff and Dragons fans screaming for their teams.
“People that will come to the game will see a spectacle where battle lines will be drawn by both teams and they are going to go after each other.”
In terms of team selection, Tiatia confirmed Levi Douglas will sit out the Friday night showdown after injuring his ankle against Glasgow Warriors.
“Levi is being assessed by the medical team, but he won’t be available this week,” he confirmed.
“Fetuli (Paea) is back in the club and able to start training shortly, which is a positive.
“Thomas Young is back running and looking good. The team will be announced on Thursday, and people will find out then.
“Most players are up for selection and there is good competition in the squad so far.”
It’s special on a Friday night here... it will be a great to see Rodney Parade packed out and noisy, both Cardiff and Dragons fans screaming for their teams...
