The talking points from Glasgow v Dragons

ABSENT FRIENDS

Put Ross Moriarty, Cory Hill and Ollie Griffiths in that XV and the Dragons could very well have left Glasgow with something to show for their efforts.

However, it’s daft to think that the Wales internationals can feature week in, week out in an increasingly brutal game.

Hill and Griffiths featured in the first four rounds while Moriarty has made three outings since being suspended for the opener.

Much better to wrap them in cotton wool to what is a massive game against Cardiff Blues as the Dragons hunt a first PRO14 derby success since Boxing Day, 2014.

Not only that but head coach Bernard Jackman hardly fielded a bunch of youngsters as he did in 2017/18.

Samoa lock Brandon Nansen slotted in for Hill while stalwarts Lewis Evans and Nic Cudd came in for the back rowers (and were both excellent). Added to that, Tavis Knoyle did well on his first start ahead of Rhodri Williams (see below).

Squad rotation is necessary in the modern games, be it in the PRO14, English Premiership or Top 14.

BONUS CHANCE MISSED

Nonetheless, the Dragons had a big chance to leave Scotstoun Stadium with a consolation bonus, something that would have been valuable in a tight Conference B.

Turning around at 12-6 down was a fine effort given that they were to have a strong wind at their backs in the second half.

However, replacement fly-half Josh Lewis sloppily kicked the ball dead and was punished with a third Glasgow try.

Still the Dragons clung on in there thanks to an Adam Warren breakaway but at 22-13 were unable to get within striking distance.

They probably didn’t deserve anything but this was one (point) that got away.

A DIFFERENT SORT OF 9

Last season was horrendous for Tavis Knoyle, who suffered knee and wrist injuries that limited him to a solitary appearance against Leinster on opening weekend.

The scrum-half told the Argus this summer that he wanted to repay the faith shown in him by Jackman (https://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/sport/16270918.knoyle-pledges-to-return-dragons-favour-after-coming-through-injury-nightmare/) and the Wales international is doing just that.

It’s vital to have different sorts of scrum-halves and Knoyle provides a more physical option to Rhodri Williams and Rhodri Davies.

His kicking was good against Glasgow, he was feisty and it was a solid display on his first start since February, 2017.

Knoyle deserves a change of luck after the misfortune of 2017/18 and is determined to push Williams hard at 9.

DEFENSIVE SPIRIT, ATTACKING INSPIRATION NEEDED

The Dragons were much-improved in defence compared to their Leinster showing, even though they shipped five tries.

The first try was disappointing – front rowers Lloyd Fairbrother and Richard Hibbard getting their spacing wrong – but after that the Warriors were made to work for their scores.

However, the Dragons produced little of note with ball in hand with just two clean breaks and six defenders beaten.

With Jordan Williams kept under wraps, the visitors struggled; how they miss Hallam Amos and Ashton Hewitt.

While the need for a top-quality 10 is clear, this isn’t just a problem of individuals. The Dragons have to find the attacking verve that they possessed in the opening months of last season.

CARPET BURN

Adam Warren has enjoyed a pretty good start to the season after grasping a chance provided by Tyler Morgan’s injury, but he is feeling the pain.

Against Zebre he got his head on the wrong side of a tackle and is still sporting a black eye on the right of his face and on the other side he will have a nasty scab courtesy of his try-scoring effort at Scotstoun.

The centre hacked ahead, gathered and then slided over… but his face was then planted in the plastic pitch.

At least Warren had the consolation of five points, plus he can also look back with pride on a tremendous first-half cover tackle on Niko Matawalu.

If Morgan is declared fit to face the Blues then it would be a little harsh to leave out Warren.