THE PAIN of past defeats in Romania means that Kingsley Jones hasn’t allowed his charges to travel to Bucharest thinking about a bonus-point win, writes Chris Kirwan.

Victory is essential for the Dragons when they take on a Wolves side that have proved to be strong on their own turf.

In past seasons Brive, Newcastle and Worcester have earned hard-earned success and Agen have lost while Stade Francais were made to sweat for a 13-9 at the Stadium Arcul de Triumf in October.

The Rodney Parade region have no margin for error after slipping up against Newcastle in Newport the week after recording a superb bonus-point win in Paris and in Jones they have the perfect man to ensure that there is no complacency.

The former Wales flanker used to be boss of Russia and never beat the Romanians on their own turf so taken his former Pontypridd coach’s pre-match comments with a pinch of salt.

Bucharest are coached by Lynn Howells, who was maybe indulging in a few mind games when he said “I just hope we give the Dragons a good game”.

“I am under no illusions about how tough it’s going to be,” said Jones. “We respect Bucharest and their recent history in the tournament, only losing by one score against tough opponents, demands that.

“We all know Lynn Howells, he is a wily old fox so don’t believe a word he is saying! Romania is a very passionate rugby country and they will want to get a win (not just put in a good performance).

“There is no doubt about what they can do. They are big, physical, strong and will pick and go. They will squeeze you and have big guys all over the field.

“I know from going there with Russia that you need to be controlled, composed and play with tempo because Romania always squeezed us out in the last 15 to 20 minutes.

“Stade Francais went there and performed badly and almost got beaten, so have Worcester and Newcastle in the past.

“We respect Bucharest and that’s shown in our team selection. We haven’t made loads of changes and are looking for continuity after a good performance against Glasgow (when edged out 19-15 by the Guinness Pro12 title hopefuls).”