Dragons out to fly high against Falcons

Nov 1 2007 by Phil Blanche, Western Mail

HAVING stood up admirably to the test of reigning Heineken Cup champions London Wasps last weekend, the next eight days will pinpoint exactly how far the emerging Dragons have come this season.

The spirited draw against Ian McGeechan’s men has, for the time being, given fresh hope and expectation at Rodney Parade as the Dragons bid to take the next significant step in their rejuvenation.

Paul Turner’s side now face successive away trips to Newcastle Falcons in Pool A of the EDF Energy Cup this weekend and then on to French outfit Perpignan to launch their Heineken Cup campaign.

And the enormity of the tough task ahead has not been lost on Turner, who has employed a squad-rotation policy for the long trip north to Kingston Park.

“We were delighted with the Wasps result and felt we matched them in the arm wrestle, but we know we’ve got an intimidating couple of weeks ahead,” said Turner.

“Wasps are the European champions for no other reason than their huge squad and that’s something we’re trying to build here.

“The next two matches are both huge, but we’re pleased with where we are at the moment because we’ve only got three or four injuries.

“We’ve decided to keep the squad fresh and we’re just being canny and trying to maximise our squad.

“Newcastle is never a great place to go as the conditions are usually very windy, but we must come to terms with that because we’ve got a great opportunity in this group.

“I’ve only won there once as a player and coach and they’ve always had quality players going back to the days of Rob Andrew.

“They play a great style of rugby with talented players such as Toby Flood, Mathew Tait and Jonny Wilkinson, while usually matching that with a pack of uncompromising forwards.”

The Dragons have already recorded away wins at Stradey Park and Murrayfield in the Magners League this season and, if Turner’s men can pull off an upset in the north-east, they would set up a group decider against Gloucester at Rodney Parade.

Turner makes nine changes, four in the backs and five up front, from the side which secured a 3-3 draw against Wasps.

USA international Paul Emerick (below) comes in for his first start of the season on the right wing in place of the injured Gareth Wyatt as backs Gareth Maule, Aled Thomas and Andy Williams replace Ashley Smith, Ceri Sweeney and Wayne Evans.

Joe Bearman plays, with flanker Richard Parks rested before he makes his first return to former club Perpignan next Friday. Hugh Gustafson, Ben Daly, Andy Hall and Peter Sidoli start with Michael Owen switched from the second row to No 8.

“We’ve still got a competitive team,” added Turner. “If we play technically well and be accurate in everything we do, we’ve got the ammunition to get a result.”

Meanwhile, Wales star Kevin Morgan hopes to be back in action for the Dragons in two weeks’ time.

The 30-year-old full-back underwent surgery last month to clear up cartilage damage to his left knee.

“It was causing irritation and it needed to be dealt with as soon as possible,” he said. “Every injury is frustrating and unfortunately I’ve had my fair share.

“But I’ve had a lot worse than this and I’m upbeat about it.

“I’m probably not going to be fit for our opening Heineken Cup game against Perpignan next week, but I’m hoping to be back for London Irish on November 17.”

Morgan accepts his injury means he has virtually no chance of being involved with Wales for their November 24 clash against world champions South Africa.

“The problem is I’ll only have one game before then, so that would probably rule me out,” he said.

“But, to be honest, I just want to concentrate on getting back fit. That’s my main goal.”

Dragons: M Thomas; P Emerick, R Gomer-Davies, G Maule, R Mustoe; A Thomas, A Williams; H Gustafson, B Daly, R Thomas, A Hall, P Sidoli, J Bearman, M Owen, C Charvis (capt). Replacements: K Crawford, A Black, J Corsi, L Evans, R Parks, C Sweeney, W Evans