Head Coach Filo Tiatia wants his Dragons to enjoy the week leading into the semi-final showdown with Montpellier - then produce a performance they can be proud of.
The Men of Gwent are in semi-final action for the first time in a decade when they tackle Montpellier in the last four of the EPCR Challenge Cup on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 12.30pm UK time).
Tiatia acknowledges the game will be a new experience for many of his squad and he wants them to embrace the magnitude of the game and opportunity.
“It’s a semi-final and it’s been a while for the club – they boys are excited,” he said.
“I’ve spoken about identity and who we're representing. It hasn't changed. The boys are looking forward to this game and so they should be.
“We’ve reviewed Zebre, understood some of the milestones that came out of that game and then moved forward to Montpellier.
“There's always an opportunity to keep learning, and how do we keep improving? We’re excited about the possibility of earning another week, and that's all it is.
“Finals and knockout footy is a special occasion,” he added. “I’ve been in a few finals and semi-finals and they are special.
“There are a few players in our squad that haven't been in them. I want them to enjoy the week, get the detail right, then come Sunday we have a scrap.
“A lot of old mates have messaged and wished us luck. I don't follow too much on social media, but I've heard that fans from the Ospreys, Cardiff and Scarlets are wishing Dragons all the best. I think that's great.
“It’s great being in a semi-final, a team from Wales, and there’s certainly a lot of talent here, and not just our club, but with four regions.”
Looking at selection ahead of Friday’s team announcement, Tiatia added: “It’s been interesting. We've got a lot of players that have fought for trying to earn of a spot in the jersey.
“There's a lot of players that are disappointed that they haven't been picked. We're trying to form competition and it's a healthy thing.
“The club hasn’t been in a semi-final for a while, so it means a lot to all the players - I'd be disappointed if they weren't disappointed, but they are.
“It means that they care about the club, but also around performances and opportunities.”
I’ve spoken about identity and who we're representing. It hasn't changed. The boys are looking forward to this game and so they should be...
