Morgan aims to put Dragons in limelight

Apr 21 2007 Western Mail

KEVIN MORGAN believes beating favourites Clermont Auvergne in today's semi-final of the European Challenge Cup would put the Dragons on the rugby map.

The Wales full-back hasn't any doubts about the importance of their mission to deepest France.

"It would put us in the limelight by showing the rest of Europe we are a developing region and a team going places," beamed the Dragons skipper.

Morgan has recovered from a worrying knee injury to take his place in the Gwent region's side for what they are branding the most important match in their history.

"Victory in Clermont would certainly put us on the rugby map," he said.

Dragons coach Paul Turner pointed out, "We've only been going for four years and are trying to build something special.

"I just feel, with more investment and new stadia, we could really go places. I was coaching at Gloucester four years ago and we used to train at a school. Our French players used to say, 'This is rubbish.'

"But, go to Gloucester now, and they've got magnificent training facilities and are developing their ground.

"We've got to aim to do the same thing in Gwent. People have started to embrace the Dragons brand and I'm sure there are investors who would like to get involved.

"If we can go to Clermont and pull off one of Europe's great results, it would be a massive fillip for the Dragons and Welsh rugby."

Turner accepts they'll have their work cut out at Parc des Sports Marcel Michelin against crack opposition who lie second in the French Championship behind Stade Francais.

But, buoyed by doing the double over Bayonne and beating former Heineken Cup winners Brive in the quarter-finals of the Challenge Cup, he maintains it's not mission impossible.

"We've already won in France this season and we can also take heart from the performance of other teams over there," said Turner.

"Scarlets won in Toulouse, Northampton stunned everybody by beating Biarritz and, most importantly, Newcastle could have won at Clermont in the quarter-finals.

"So, despite Clermont being second in the Top 14, we shouldn't fear them. Respect, yes, but fear, no.

"We've certainly got to cut out the errors and indiscipline which cost us victory against leaders Leinster in the Magners League last weekend.

"We're underdogs, but we like it that way. Our preparation has been spot-on and we know the first 20 minutes are going to be crucial.

"That's the way most games are settled in France. They try to blow you away in the first quarter, but, if you're still in it when it's up, you're in with a chance.

"It's going to be a huge challenge for us because Clermont are really a side of Heineken quality who are building for the future.

"But we've coped with a lot of challenges in the past and this is another for us to tackle."

Clermont's New Zealand coach Vern Cotter doesn't believe it's a hindrance his side is the only French club left in European competition - Heineken or Challenge Cup.

"We are not feeling the pressure - we are just happy to still be in the competition, and we are looking to go as far as we can," he said.

"The guys all want to come home with silverware, of course, and a European title would be great."

Cotter, who was assistant coach of the Super 12 and 14 dominating Crusaders and was in charge of the Bay of Plenty Steamers side that gave the British Lions major problems in New Zealand two years ago, insisted they weren't underestimating Turner's men.

"Although I don't know the Dragons particularly well, we know Brive and we know they beat Brive by 30 odd points in the quarter-final which isn't easy to do," he said.

"We also know that they've got quality all over the park and have a very complete style of play with the combinations of serious power and pace.

"Although we may be in a strong position going into the match, they are a strong side and we will take nothing for granted."