Dragons RFC return to European action this week hoping to replicate their recent home heroics on the road as they head to Treviso to face Benetton.
Following New Year’s Day’s superb bonus-point victory against Scarlets at Rodney Parade, Dragons have now won their last three home matches.
Despite the 28-5 scoreline, Dragons centre Aneurin Owen feels Dragons can perform even better which will be needed with a tough away trip to come.
“It’s a bit of mixed emotions,” said Owen after the match against Scarlets.
“We are very happy with the win, five points, but there’s a part of me which feels we didn’t quite produce the performance we can.
“The confidence has grown amongst the group and we know we can play better but we’re happy with the five points to start the New Year.
"We know we’re a physical team and we speak a lot about discipline and showing trust in our defence and that was one area which was good.
“Scoring four tries is great, but we still feel there’s a lot more to come from us.”
Since the first win, at home to Lyon, Dragons players have spoken of the growth in confidence after a frustrating start to the season where results hadn’t quite gone their way.
“This has been an odd season,” said Owen. “The performances have been there or there abouts but we’ve been unlucky with a few results and know what we can do if the confidence is there.
“The confidence is the big thing for us. To get that win against Lyon has been the spark and to back it up against Connacht you see that confidence grow and you see the best from everyone.
“We just need to keep building, keep working hard and try to get more results.”
Try-scorer against the Scarlets David Richards echoed Owen’s thoughts, praising Dragons’ home support but saying it was now time to take the form on the road.
“It was a packed crowd against Scarlets, you certainly heard them today,” said Richards post-match.
“I don't think the song: “Stand up for the Men of Gwent” has ever been sung so loud.
“It was a really good feeling. We've been performing well at home and I think now the challenge for us looking ahead is we've probably got a lot more games away from home.
“Trying to bring a performance away from home is what we want to try and do.”
We are very happy with the win, five points, but there’s a part of me which feels we didn’t quite produce the performance we can
