Head Coach Filo Tiatia praised his Dragons for ‘finding a way’ as they produced a strong second half to defeat USA Perpignan 29-14 in the EPCR Challenge Cup opener.
Jared Rosser, Aneurin Owen, Anzelo Tuitavuki and Fetuli Paea grabbed the tries as the Men of Gwent battle back to start Pool 1 with four points.
And Tiatia was pleased with the grit and determination shown – both sides of the ball – by his side.
“We got the points which is important,” said Tiatia. “It was a challenging week, we had a lot of guys who were ill and we were checking on injuries too, but we found a way and made it happen.
“We chased to try and get a bonus at the end - we didn’t quite get there.
“There is still lots of the game we need to be better at, but I thought our grit and defence was outstanding at times. Our attack was also good.
“We spoke about physicality and I thought we were outstanding, both sides of the ball. I am proud of the group.
“I am enjoying that we are trying to be brave, we are trying to get seven points rather than three,” he added.
“We want to rely and trust the players to make good decisions on the field, sometimes it doesn’t quite come off, but I love the mentality to scrap so I am happy.”
Dragons next face a trip to Swansea to face Ospreys in the BKT United Rugby Championship next weekend and Tiatia wants his side to enjoy the European moment before focussing on the next challenge.
“We are looking forward to going down to Swansea and another local derby,” he added.
“We will recover, enjoy tonight and the moments, and then get ready to go to work on Monday.”
We spoke about physicality and I thought we were outstanding, both sides of the ball. I am proud of the group...
