Boss Filo Tiatia wants his Dragons to keep making the people of Gwent proud as they target European glory – and revealed the competition for places is only hotting up ahead of the quarter-final this weekend.
The Men of Gwent made the last eight of the EPCR Challenge Cup with an epic 36-31 victory over Stade Francais Paris last weekend.
Next up is a trip to Italy and Zebre Parma in the knockout stages on Saturday evening (kick-off 8pm UK time).
And the Head Coach has reflected on the growth in the group as they bid for more history this weekend.
“From where we started, to where we are now, we’re a different team,” stated Tiatia.
“We're trying to work on the things that are important for us as a group, but also the people of Gwent, who we represent. Getting to a performance that they're proud of and they will latch onto.
“People that don't know anything around Gwent or the game itself, they can get fascinated about ‘these guys scrap for each other’.
“That’s what people get attracted to - teams that stay in it. That's what we're trying to do. Something simple, but it's meaningful for this group.
“I was proud of the performance last weekend. Now we have an opportunity to impose ourselves again. We're have another chance.
“I was happy that we stayed in the fight, all the things we’ve been working on around mentality, how we stay calm, how we impose our game,” he added.
“We let them back in, particularly in the first half, and gave them opportunities with a lack of discipline.
“When you have momentum, you're disciplined. When you don't have momentum, it's ill-discipline. It kills you.
“But the boys worked hard, particularly in the last 25 minutes, to stay in it. We get a score and then Wyn (Jones) puts us in the right position and dives over.
“I’m happy with how they're growing and how we're learning. We're still learning, but we’re being consistent around what we're trying to do.”
Tiatia also discussed the battle for places ahead of the weekend adding: “Selection as well has been challenging. Players are playing well and putting their hand up to say, ‘pick me’.
“Everybody's fighting for a job. They want to wear the jersey and it's a quarter final in the European Challenge Cup. There is nothing better to motivate you.
“We've got some important games coming up after this game, but the players are really focused on going to Parma and having a scrap.”
We're trying to work on the things that are important for us as a group, but also the people of Gwent, who we represent. Getting to a performance that they're proud of and they will latch onto...
