Defence Coach Dale MacLeod has called on Dragons to ‘take another step forward’ when they face Glasgow Warriors this weekend.
The Men of Gwent head to Scotstoun Stadium on Saturday evening for Round 3 of the new BKT United Rugby Championship season looking to record a first win after the tense 17-17 draw last week with Hollywoodbets Sharks.
MacLeod is keen for Dragons to travel to Scotland with real belief after the manner of the battling draw with Sharks and continue to build momentum with the Welsh derbies on the horizon.
“We’re a group that needs to keep moving forward,” he said. “At Ulster we didn’t quite nail some things that cost us dearly in key moments, when we could have been in that game.
“Against Sharks we did some good stuff to stay in the game, and we showed that we have some character and some fight.
“I came away from the game a little frustrated, like a lot of people, but also proud that we took another step forward. It’s important we take another step forward against Glasgow.
“If we can keep building and growing the group, we will keep heading towards where we want to get to,” he added.
“The group is learning, growing and gelling well together. We’ve got to look at what is next, not what happened. We’ll keep moving forward.”
Dragons' only two previous victories at Scotstoun were in November 2013 and December 2020, but for MacLeod it is vital that travel with renewed optimism as a new-look squad.
“We are a new group, but we are in a club that has gone through some tough times,” he stated.
“The character we showed on our line against the Sharks, three or four times, showed that we have got something.
“We have got to start stringing some moments together, applying some scoreboard pressure. Then you will really see the group.
“The group are working hard, and I can’t question the work ethic. The new boys have come in and added value.
“We are not carrying a lot of scars, but we have got to grow that inner belief but that is happening, and it is getting stronger. We are standing up for each other.
“If we can keep growing that, showing those same performances, we will start to get some reward.
“We’ve got to control what we can control. We keep marching forward and embracing the next challenge.”
As for his own time in Wales and the introduction of a new defensive system, MacLeod is relishing his first season at the club.
“We are making progress. There is still work to do, but the intent is outstanding with new systems and new ideas,” he said.
“When you bring a lot of new players and coaches together, with new ideas and trying to blend it all in, we’ve had some good honest conversations around what is required.
“We are making shifts. I have no doubt we’ll continue to do that and keep building every week.
“The mantra is you turn up and get better every day – players, coaches, staff.
“I’m enjoying the environment. It’s a great club and everyone is working really hard. You can’t question anyone,” he added.
“From management to players – everyone is working hard for the same goal, which is to get the Dragons heading in the right direction, some performances and scoreboard results.
We are not carrying a lot of scars, but we have got to grow that inner belief but that is happening, and it is getting stronger. We are standing up for each other...
