Back row Ryan Woodman says the “full focus” is on the next two weeks as Dragons face a South Africa double - starting on Sunday afternoon against DHL Stormers, writes Fin Palfreyman.
Dragons Academy graduate Woodman returns to the fold with the Men of Gwent after being included in the Wales squad for the Six Nations.
And the 22-year-old is keen to use the experience as a catalyst as his focus returns to Dragons.
“It was a really good experience, a load of fun, and I learnt a lot. I’m excited to take what I learnt into these games now,” stated Woodman.
“The main thing for me was seeing where I need to be to get to that level - and without seeing that environment you don’t know.
“I was only there two weeks and the intensity of training is another level, so hopefully I can bring a part of that back to my club and train like that at Dragons.”
Woodman is back in the starting line-up for the Men of Gwent in the six jersey as Dragons face a tough test against the high-flying DHL Stormers at DHL Stadium in Cape Town this weekend.
“It’s always tough playing South African sides especially away from home,” he stated.
“They’ve named their side and there’s quite a few Springboks in there so, if anything, it’ll be a good physicality test.
“Were expecting a fast game,” he added. “The last time we played them, they didn’t really keep the ball off the field much. If we kicked it out it would be straight back in.
“They want the ball in play, and we all know what they are capable of.”
However, Woodman is also keen to highlight the upturn in form in recent months for Dragons and has spoken positively of the progress made since the start of the season.
He said: “We’ve been unlucky at times with three draws - potentially that’s three wins and our best season for a while. We’ve made so much improvement if you compare it to last time we came to South Africa.
“Our coaches speak about it we’re a completely different side and we want to push for a win.
“There are just little moments in games where we’ve let it slip. We want to get those right and earn two or three more wins to end the season positively.”
The last time we played them, they didn’t really keep the ball off the field much. If we kicked it out it would be straight back in... They want the ball in play, and we all know what they are capable of...
