Head Coach Filo Tiatia has spoken of the test ahead of his Dragons this weekend against DHL Stormers in Cape Town - and how he wants his team to embrace the challenge.
The Men of Gwent have jetted to South Africa this week for a trip that kicks-off at DHL Stadium against in-form Stormers on Sunday afternoon (kick-off 1pm UK time).
The home side have gone early with their team announcement and named a power-packed team for the BKT United Rugby Championship Round 13 clash as they target a top four place in the play-offs.
But for Tiatia – who has fond memories of his own playing days in Cape Town with Hurricanes – the focus is on Dragons and the bid to keep improving after a season of progress.
“It’s a very good side that they've named and coach John Dobson is doing a really good job there,” stated Tiatia.
“The Stormers have got athletes right across the board, and I see they've got some backs that are coming back from injury, which is good for them.
“It doesn't really change much in terms of our preparation. We know that they've got a very good set piece. We know 83% of their tries are scored from first phase, so they are a very strong attacking side.
“We've got our work cut out in terms of how we stop them, but also there are opportunities for us to oppose our game on them as well.
“The business of the game is to keep improving and, for us, it’s about improving on the things that are probably holding us back.
“The boys have travelled well,” he added. "We left Tuesday night and got here on Wednesday just after lunch. We’ve done some recovery, and we had a good rugby session this morning.
"You have to be aware of the environment you're coming into. It's a lot warmer here, so you must hydrate and prepare well. It's a faster track and it's dry here.
“Physically, it’s about how we get ourselves right, how we set the boys up, but also the mentality because you're up against bigger men than normal.
“You know it’s going to be set piece orientated so the forwards have work coming, but it’s also an opportunity for the backs to impose their game as well.”
Ahead of the fixture, Tiatia also reporting positive injury news over Shane Lewis-Hughes and hooker Elliot Dee.
“Shane’s injury initially looked like six to eight weeks. It's less now, which is great,” he revealed. “He's recovered well and he’s worked hard on his recovery process.
“Elliot is back in the mixer (for selection) - which is great. He's working hard, competing with all the other hookers that we have fit. We've got good competition and players coming back healthy.”
You have to be aware of the environment you're coming into. It's a lot warmer here, so you must hydrate and prepare well. It's a faster track and it's dry here.
