THE loss at the death at Ulster was heart-breaking after the effort that the boys put in but the experience of going so close against a top side on their own turf can only stand our young players in good stead.

It was a strong performance in Belfast and fingers crossed we can repeat it against Connacht at Rodney Parade this evening.

The pack played really well the set piece being strong and it was great to see 21-year-old fly-half Angus O’Brien doing really well on his first start for nearly a year.

He was fantastic for us against Stade Francais in Paris last year, essentially winning the game for us. Playing at Ravenhill would have been great for his development, learning some valuable lessons that will stand him in good stead for future games for the Dragons.

He went to a top side in the Guinness Pro12 and played against experienced half-backs in Ruan Pienaar, Paddy Jackson and Ian Humphreys. He showed no fear and it was great to see him getting the back line going, providing some really good attacking ball in the outside channels with a confident and positive attitude that we need coming through the academy.

I was gutted to miss the game with 'that' injury because even though we have only won once at Kingspan Stadium, or Ravenhill as it was called, it’s one of my favourite grounds.

It’s a great arena to play rugby in with a packed house and their fans belting out ‘Stand up for the Ulstermen’. That backing obviously motivates Ulster but it also makes you raise your game.

I’ve been lucky enough to play in some fantastic places, Perpignan where it was almost like their fans were a rabble backing them from a metal cage and of course the legendary Shed at Gloucester’s Kingsholm.

As a youngster it can be intimidating and nerve-racking but with experience you tend to enjoy the occasion rather than going into your shell.

For the likes of Angus, Ashton Hewitt, James Benjamin, the more they play in those environments the more they will develop.

It was pleasing to see that the boys adopted the positive mindset that served us well in Europe and while it was gutting to lose late on after missing a few opportunities, we can keep building for Connacht tonight.

Hopefully we will see another big performance from Adam Warren because he has been superb since signing from the Scarlets last summer.

He’s played all 19 games for us this season and is a bit of a silent assassin, just like his carshare buddy Nic Cudd. The two quietest boys in our team who never complain, and just get the job done.

It’s great to have players who you can always rely on and it makes a good blend when you combine them with the likes of Toby and Hallam Amos with their X factor.

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IN past weeks I’ve asked a few questions to captain Rhys Thomas, centre Adam Hughes and flanker Nick Crosswell and now it’s the turn of one of the next generation of Dragons, Angus O’Brien…

Q: Angus, how was last week’s experience in one of the most intimidating grounds in the Guinness Pro12?

A: I really enjoyed the experience of playing at Ulster. It is known for being a really tough place to go but the fact the team played so well made it easier.

It was good to get my first start of the season and hopefully it can become more of a regular thing. It was obviously very disappointing to lose but there were lots of positives to take from the game.

Q: You had a great game at Stade Francis last year, what do you think you have learned from being in the senior environment that will help you push for regular rugby at 10 in the future?

A: It was a great occasion out in Paris last year but it's important that I try and deliver those performances on a regular basis.

That's a big thing I've learned, the importance of cutting out little errors and performing consistently.

As a fly half you're involved in a lot of incidents so the fewer errors we make the more the team will benefit.

Q: Being one of three brothers that play fly-half, competition must come naturally! Have you got much to thank your older brother Matt for or do you have any words of wisdom for your younger brother Loui?

A: As you can imagine, we're each other’s worst critics and none of us can get away with anything, as the other two watching always know best!

Reluctantly, I suppose I do have to thank Matt. I used to go and watch him a lot when he was playing for UWIC and now Newport.

We spend a good amount of time before and after games, giving each other advice and highlighting things that weren't so great, so it's always good to have someone that can tell you straight.

Loui has been playing well for the Dragons Under-18s so me and Matt have enjoyed watching him over the past few months.

I always just advise him to keep his head down, keep working hard and eat more! I've already played against Matt, so would be nice to play against Louie in the future.