Dragons are through to a European semi-final after a hard-fought victory. Angus O’Brien spoke of his elation after the match. He said it meant so much to the players and the club. He added that it was important to back up last week’s performance to show it wasn’t a one-off.
O’Brien admitted the performance wasn’t perfect, but highlighted the nature of knockout rugby. He said he was really proud of how they came out in the second half and tidied up a few things they spoke about in the changing rooms. To come away with the victory, he said he was absolutely elated.
Rees Praises Dragons’ Team Performance
Former Cardiff and Wales scrum-half Richie Rees described it as a great game and praised the team’s quality. He gave credit to the Dragons for securing two away victories in France and Italy. Rees felt they thoroughly deserved the victory. He highlighted key standout performers including Ben Carter, Tinus de Beer, Angus O’Brien, Harrison Keddie (man-of-the-match), and Ryan Woodman.
Rees also noted the graft as a team, and said that is starting to show where this Dragons team is going with the improvements they’re making week-on-week, month-on-month. He also gave credit to their coaching setup. Rees pointed out that the Dragons, often perceived as the weakest of the four Welsh teams, are now in a European semi-final.
Late Zebre Try Not Enough
Replacement Giovanni Quattrini powered under the posts for Zebre, but it came too late. Jacopo Trulla did the damage with a burst forward and with one man to beat, skipper Leonard Krumov was on hand to take his pass and go over out wide. It gave his team a flicker of hope, but it wasn’t enough.
Rio Dyer’s jinking run caused the Zebre defence to scramble, and moments later they were pinged in midfield. Angus O’Brien then converted from 35 metres out. Niall Armstrong pulled off a 50-22 after another Zebre attack broke down.
Dragons’ Driving Lineout Proves Key
Elliot Dee’s excellent play contributed to good go-forward in a driving lineout. The Dragons were patient in that instance. This, according to Rees, separated the Dragons. They were similar out in Paris last weekend, with two tries from driving lineouts. That took the Dragons to 12 points ahead.
A Zebre drive was held up 15 metres from the Dragons line, resulting in a scrum to the visitors. The Welsh team’s forwards celebrated it. Sensing blood, the Dragons opted for a line-out after earning a kickable penalty. From another rolling maul, the replacement hooker buried over.
- Dragons secured two away victories in France and in Italy.
- Key performers included Ben Carter, Tinus de Beer, Angus O’Brien, Harrison Keddie, and Ryan Woodman.
- The Dragons’ driving lineout proved to be a key weapon.
Richie Rees noted that it’s three fantastic away trips for these Dragons fans, Paris, Parma and now potentially Montpellier.