Morgan looks to his big guns

Apr 15 2007 Wales on Sunday

KEVIN MORGAN knows he has to lead from the front if the Dragons are to stand any chance against Clermont Auvergne in their European Challenge Cup semi-final.

The Dragons skipper has called for his side's Welsh internationals to stand up and be counted against the big-spending French outfit.

The Wales star always puts his body on the line and has paid the price with a host of career-threatening injuries.

But he knows the likes of Ian Gough, Colin Charvis, Michael Owen, Ceri Sweeney and Gareth Cooper, have to perform in France.

"The Welsh international have to lead from the front," said Morgan.

"Goughie, Charvis, Ceri, Coops and Michael and myself have to lead the side. We all have experience of appearing on the big stage and have to produce the goods."

The 30-year-old, who has been one of the form players in Wales this season, is under no illusions the task facing his side.

The Dragons playing budget is probably a quarter of the funds available to Clermont.

"If we are going to win this tournament, we are going to have to do it the hard way," said Morgan.

"Clermont is probably going to be the toughest game of our season.

"They have quality right across their side but it shows how far we have come as a side that we are in an European semi-final.

"It would be great for the region and something huge for the players if we could win this game.

"We struggled last year but I think we have really made strides and started to turn things around.

"The region is on an upward trend but reaching a final would be a real boost for us."

The Dragons journey in European rugby's second tier has been impressive and they are in the semi-finals along with the big-spenders of Clermont, Bath and Saracens.

Just reaching this stage of the tournament is impressive for a side written off by everyone.

Morgan knows the benefits of an impressive tournament could be three-fold, with supporters, sponsors and players to the Dragons cause.

"Hopefully, this run in Europe will help us attract more quality players," said Morgan.

"We know we didn't have the quality last season and got what we deserved. We didn't qualify for the Heineken Cup because we weren't good enough.

"The Dragons are much stronger now and you can already see the improvement. We know we aren't the finished article and have some work to do."

Morgan is also planning to squeeze out every ounce of inside information from Wales teammate, Stephen Jones.

The Wales and Lions star enjoyed two impressive years with Clermont in France before he returned to the Scarlets this season.

"I haven't spoken to Steve yet," said Morgan.

"But I am sure we will be getting in touch with him this week and asking for a dossier of inside information on Clermont."