Dragons look for Scottish success

Jan 4 2008 by Staff Reporter, Western Mail

THE Dragons head to Scotland tonight looking to create history and end Glasgow Warriors’ unbeaten home record.

Paul Turner’s men travel north of the border in confident mood following wing Richard Mustoe’s last-gasp try in the 15-13 home win over the Scarlets on New Year’s Day.

And, after achieving their first Magners League double over the West Walians, the Gwent region face Sean Lineen’s side, who have yet to be beaten at “fortress Firhill” this season.

Dragons coach Turner said, “Winning breeds confidence, not just for the players but also for our supporters.

“After beating the Scarlets, there’s been a feelgood factor around the place and it’s great to be going up to Glasgow with momentum behind us.

“It’s been a tough Christmas period, especially with the Treviso defeat in Europe, and the injuries have really rocked us so this win was crucial.

“But we should not underestimate Glasgow because they are a different team to previous seasons and, with their current confidence from the Heineken Cup and Magners League, they will be aiming to put one over us.

“They’ve brought in some quality players in the summer in former All Black Daryl Gibson, Samoan international Lome Fa’atau and scrum-half Chris O’Young from the Super 14 and have also been strengthened thanks to the demise of Borders with signings such as Kelly Brown.

“It will be difficult, but we have to go there and get a result. This league is a strong league and everyone is capable of beating each other.

“We know the turnaround is short and the games are physical, but the boys are loving playing rugby at the moment.”

The Dragons were the last Welsh region to win in Glasgow in September 2006 and have won seven out of their previous eight meetings.

And another good omen is that the Dragons have already won in Scotland this term with a 19-13 win in Edinburgh back in October.

Fly-half Ceri Sweeney scored two tries and 14 points in the Scottish capital and has also been a thorn in Glasgow’s side in recent seasons.

“We’ve got a good record against Glasgow and I’m pleased that I’ve played a part in that over the seasons,” said Sweeney, who has scored 34 points in league meetings against the Warriors.

“But it’s the first time we’ve played them this season and we won’t underestimate what they are capable of.

“We know we have to work hard to come away with another good result.”

The Dragons have made three changes by freshening up the forward pack from Tuesday’s thrilling win.

Prop Adam Black, hooker Ben Daly and lock Adam Hall have been drafted in for Hugh Gustafson, Steve Jones and Peter Sidoli as Turner’s men look to continue their impressive start to 2008.