Co-captain Angus O’Brien was full of praise for an “outstanding” display which led to an “amazing result” for Dragons as they beat Connacht 48-28 at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening.
A brace from livewire scrum half Che Hope along with tries for Oli Burrows, Jared Rosser, Rio Dyer and a penalty try paved the way for a maximum five-point result for Dragons, while O’Brien was 100% off the tee.
“It was an amazing evening and an amazing result,” said O’Brien.
“Just testament to the work that all the boys have put in, everybody in the group really.
“We've shown glimpses of it at the start of the season, had some tough results, but I think tonight you saw a real complete performance, both sides of the ball.”
O’Brien praised the forward and defensive displays which provided a platform for the backs to shine.
“A side like Connacht, they're excellent with the ball, but I think we just shut them down tonight and didn't allow them many ins into the game,” said O’Brien.
“The boys up front again were outstanding again tonight both sides of the ball.
“They put us on the front foot all night, set-piece and they shut Connacht down in defence and it's nice for me and the boys to play behind that.
“When they're going forward, they're winning pens, they're killing momentum and they're swinging momentum our way and they were awesome, everyone tonight.
“I thought everyone on that field tonight put in an unbelievable shift. I'm just extremely proud of everybody.”
While the forwards provided the platform the backs certainly took advantage with Player of the Match Dyer to the fore, scoring one try and providing a perfect assist for Hope’s second.
“We probably weren't good enough out wide last week, and tonight we were,” said O’Brien.
“To see Rio just beating people, going down the wing, it's what everyone loves to see, what I love to see.
“That was the work the boys put in in the middle to give him the space, and Jared as well.
“I thought Che was outstanding tonight and topped it off with a nice try there.”
O’Brien was able to enjoy the final moments and the roars of Rodney Parade with the “unbelieveable” fans showing their appreciation for a special performance.
“I speak about the fans a lot, they're unbelievable,” said O’Brien. “They've been through the highs and lows, they're consistent.
“Off the high of last week, it was important we backed it up again tonight and we certainly did that and gave them something to cheer about going into Christmas, and I'm just delighted for them really.
“I'm delighted for everyone at the club, everyone in the circle and just delighted we could celebrate this now going into Christmas and what's gonna be a massive game on Boxing Day against Cardiff.”
Next up Dragons go into the festive derbies at the Cardiff Arms Park on Boxing Day and then welcome Scarlets to Rodney Parade on New Years’ Day.
“There's no shying away, they're two massive games,” said’ O’Brien.
“Boxing Day is huge for us, we won't get carried away whatsoever, I know we had a massive win last week and an even better win this week.
“Cardiff are in great form, they've been great all season but we'll go into that full of confidence and rightly so.”
An amazing evening and an amazing result...
