DRAGONS boss Dai Flanagan believes their performance in defeat to the Sharks gives reason for optimism ahead of today's clash with the Lions (kick-off 2.30pm).
The Rodney Parade club haven’t beaten a South African side since before the Covid pandemic when they turned over the Cheetahs in February, 2020.
South Africa’s ‘big four’ of the Sharks, Lions, Stormers and Bulls headed to Europe in 2021 and it looked like the Dragons would have their first scalp last Saturday.
They led 30-26 with the clock in the red only for the Sharks to power over, making it a record of played 16, drawn one, lost 15.
The Lions have destroyed both Ulster and Edinburgh in Johannesburg but last week’s effort has given head coach Flanagan hope of an upset.
“There was lots to be optimistic about,” he said. “There was our strike attack, which [attack coach] Matt O’Brien is controlling, because we scored two tries off the first three phases and that is hard to do at any level.
“[Forwards coach] Sam Hobbs is doing excellent work with the scrum – we are holding and controlling where we want to go to strike from – and the lineout maul defence has been superb.
“Then look at the defence under Filo Tiatia, we have been able to defend multi-phase attacks on our goal line for long periods. Our kicking game was superb as well.”
The Dragons frustrated Leinster for the first half in Dublin but it’s their performances on home soil that have really got supporters hoping for a better season.
The physicality has been impressive in a pair of games that have gone the distance, with the hope that the big backing from the stands can help cause an upset this weekend.
“There is nothing like playing in front of your own people and our attitude and how we stayed in the fight against the Sharks was impressive,” said Flanagan.
“There was a period from 40 to 50 minutes where a year ago we might not have been able to turn it around and regain momentum but we showed a bit of steel and pride.
“It was definitely a performance to be proud of and you could see the care the players have the badge and how much it means to play for each other and those that come to watch. We will only get better with that as the season goes on.”
The Dragons face the Lions and then have a six-day turnaround to another key game on home soil against Benetton on Saturday.
Their final game of the first block of the URC is away to Connacht with Flanagan’s side hoping that their improved start to the season will be reflected in their points tally and league placing.
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