Head Coach Filo Tiatia praised the manner in which his Dragons played with freedom as they stormed to a stunning 48-28 win in the BKT United Rugby Championship at Rodney Parade.
The Men of Gwent were in irresistible form on home soil as they backed up their EPCR Challenge Cup success against Lyon to win successive games for the first time since October 2022.
Hooker Oli Burrows, scrum-half Che Hope and wing Jared Rosser went over before a penalty try earned a 28-7 half-time lead.
An increasingly raucous Rodney Parade cheered on a pair of Angus O'Brien penalties before Rio Dyer and Che Hope added further scores on a memorable night.
“We’re happy – it was a really solid performance,” said Tiatia. “The boys played a lot freer tonight which is pleasing to see, just based on our review on the things that how we wanted to play. The boys executed well.
“The last 20 minutes is probably a talking point, just how we stay in moments even when the map changes, so there are still areas of growth. But overall, really happy for the group.
“We’re trying to build a game that fans want to see, getting wins, and it is all part of the process.
“We are building belief in what we're trying to achieve together, particularly when fatigue comes in. That's the mental side of the game and we've got a lot of young guys that don't have tools.
“It’s really just staying in moments, which they did tonight.”
Dragons next face Cardiff Rugby on Boxing Day before welcoming Scarlets on New Year’s Day as they look to build on back-to-back wins.
“Derby games are a different beast and they're special games to play,” he added.
“Pressure does funny things and when you play these derby games it's a team that stays calm and in those moments.
“Cardiff will be disappointing from losing at home against Scarlets and there'll be a different beast.
“We’ve got some decisions to make on selection now," he added.
"We made a few changes and competition is what we want. We want players to put their hand up and say: I want to wear the jersey again."
The boys played a lot freer tonight which is pleasing to see, just based on our review on the things that how we wanted to play... The boys executed well.
