Flanagan: Scaring the sharks gives the dragons faith over the lions

The Rodney Parade club have not beaten a South African team since handing over the Cheetahs in February 2020 before the Covid pandemic.

South Africa’s Big Four of Sharks, Lions, Stormers and Bulls traveled to Europe in 2021 and it looked like the Dragons would get their first scalp last Saturday.

They led 30:26 with the clock running down, but the Sharks were able to gain the upper hand. The balance was: 16 games played, one draw and 15 defeats.

The Lions destroyed both Ulster and Edinburgh in Johannesburg but last week’s performance has given head coach Flanagan hope of an upset.

BREAK: Rhodri Williams goes through a gap for the Dragons against the Sharks (Image: Gareth Everett)

“There was a lot of reason for optimism,” he said. “There was our strike attack, that [attack coach] Matt O’Brien controlled because we scored two tries in the first three phases and that’s hard to achieve at any level.

“[Forwards coach] Sam Hobbs does a great job in the scrum – we hold and control where we want to strike from – and the lineout maul defense was excellent.

“Then look at the defense under Filo Tiatia, we were able to fend off multi-phase attacks on our goal line for long stretches. Our kicking game was also great.”

The Dragons frustrated Leinster in the first half in Dublin, but it is their performances on home soil that really give fans hope for a better season.

The physicality was impressive in two games that went the distance and we’re hoping the big support from the stands can pull off an upset this weekend.

SUPPORT: The Dragons want to win in front of the Rodney Parade supporters (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency)

“There is nothing better than playing in front of your own people and our attitude and the way we held on against the Sharks was impressive,” said Flanagan.

“There was a period of 40 to 50 minutes where a year ago we might not have been able to turn things around and get back on track, but we showed a bit of fortitude and pride.

“It was definitely an achievement to be proud of and you could see how much the players care about the badge and how much it means to play for each other and for those watching.” “We only get better as the season goes on.”

The Dragons face the Lions and then have a six-day chance of another important game on home soil against Benetton on Saturday.

Their final game in the URC’s first block comes in Connacht, with Flanagan’s side hoping their improved start to the season is reflected in their points tally and league position.