FLANKER Nic Cudd believes a shock Rodney Parade win against Guinness Pro12 title hopefuls Glasgow can kick-start Newport Gwent Dragons' season, writes Chris Kirwan.
The Dragons welcome the Warriors to Newport (kick-off 7.35pm) on the back of a 27-11 loss to Treviso in Italy, their third defeat of the campaign.
Kingsley Jones' men have played well in patches but are yet to hit their straps and could do with a high-profile victim to lift their confidence.
The performance in defeat to Munster a fortnight ago, when they were pushing for a winner at the death, earned roars of approval from the Rodney Parade faithful but openside Cudd wants them to be toasting a famous win this evening.
"Against Munster we played well and couldn't quite get the win at the end. If we could get that one win it would boost our confidence a lot and turn things around for us," said the 27-year-old flanker.
"We are all confident of our ability in this squad and a good result would give us that boost for the league to put some performances and results together."
"We are still off it at the moment. We are disappointed with where we are and want to keep improving on these performances to give the supporters something to enjoy."
Glasgow are fancied to be in the mix to win the Pro12 trophy that they lifted in 2015 but lost in Cardiff a fortnight ago and then were beaten at Scotstoun by Ulster last weekend.
Nonetheless, the bookies have Gregor Townsend's men down as overwhelming favourites as the Scots bid to get back on the horse.
"It's not going to be easy against Glasgow, who are a very tough team, but at home we are quietly confident. We are underdogs and have had that tag a few times," said Cudd.
"They are a good team and are not going to want to lose three on the bounce but neither do we – we want to get back to winning ways so it's going to be a competitive game."
Cudd is one of just five players retained from the Treviso XV. Teams news on page 37
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here