Forwards Coach Sam Hobbs has revealed a return to fitness for prop Chris Coleman is a timely boost – and praised the Wales international for the way he has matured with his performances in recent seasons.
Coleman is back in contention for the BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Benetton Rugby at Rodney Parade on Saturday evening (kick-off 5.30pm).
His return comes at a time when both Robert Hunt and loanee Cebo Dlamini have gone under the knife and Hobbs wants other players in the front row to take the opportunity to impress.
"Chris has done really well for us over the last three or four seasons and has matured as a prop," said former loosehead Hobbs.
"Everyone says that props take a bit longer to come through, and we have seen him playing back-to-back games to break into the Wales squad.
"He has worked really hard in rehab and conditioning to get back, and we are looking forward to him making his return.
"We are disappointed for Cebo because he really did well when we were in a tight spot. To lose him is a blow but it gives opportunities to others.”
Dragons are bidding to win five straight games at Rodney Parade for the first time since between December 2019 and February 2020.
But Hobbs acknowledges that Benetton will provide a stern challenge.
“Italian rugby has been impressive the last few years,” he stated. “Look at the national team and their performances and Benetton have been very strong for several years.
“I know they’re missing a few players to international call ups but the squad is still littered with internationals and up front they’re always a tough test, with mauls and scrums always strong.
“They’ve got strong forwards who will make sure we are on our game if we are to get a result.
“I think all our performances at Rodney Parade this year, even the ones when we haven’t quite got the results at the start of the season, have been really tight games,” he added.
“We all enjoy playing on Rodney, players and staff, the crowd this year have really bought into it, and the players have been excellent at home.
“We are all looking forward to getting back playing at Rodney on Saturday.”
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We all enjoy playing on Rodney, players and staff, the crowd this year have really bought into it, and the players have been excellent at home...
