Tigers eye revenge (From South Wales Argus)

Tigers eye revenge

11:29am Tuesday 26th September 2006 in Sport By Robin Davey in New Zealand

WALES lock Ian Gough warns Newport Gwent Dragons that Leicester will be out for revenge after losing at Rodney Parade in the Anglo-Welsh Cup last season when the sides meet again at Welford Road on Saturday.

A year ago the Dragons put the skids under Leicester, winning 24-15 under a leaden Welsh sky.

Now in the same competition, renamed the EDF Energy Cup after last season's sponsors Powergen pulled out, it's the Dragons turn to visit Welford Road where they last played in the Heineken Cup in December 2003 and got thumped 34-3.

"Leicester are one of the giants of English rugby and they'll want to avenge their defeat against us last year when they lost on a wet night at Rodney Parade," said Gough.

"It's a brilliant place to go, they've got great support and the atmosphere there is always great."

And in a reference to a number of teams who will, like last season, use squad players and in some cases field under-strength sides, Gough said "Whatever side Leicester pick will be strong because they've got a superb squad with lots of money to spend with great depth and a good ethos.

"But we'll still go there in a positive frame of mind and try to beat them. We'll be out to play some rugby and do our best.

"We won two games in the competition last year (there are three group games, Northampton and Worcester being the other teams) but we didn't qualify.

"The boys we've got this season and with the spirit we've got want to play, they want to score tries and they won't roll over.

"Northampton killed us off when we went there last season because they played the elements so much better. You can't go to Leicester and be off the button, they'll drive all night long, and if you can't chip and putt it'll be no good."

Gough, who has played in all four league games this season, is happy with the progress the team is making.

"We've got more depth and a stronger squad," he said. "There's Joe Bearman and Nic Fitisemanu - what an impact he's having - and Alex Walker, a young boy who is controlling a pack with British Lions in it. He's tenacious and goes out and does his thing.

"It's great to have Kevin (Morgan) back in the team with the cutting edge he provides. Then there's Gareth Cooper and Michael Owen who will make a difference."