Wales prop Leon Brown believes Dragons are ‘right on it’ and ‘fully focussed’ for two crucial league games in South Africa.
Dragons arrived in Port Elizabeth on Wednesday for a training camp ahead of Sunday’s Guinness PRO14 clash with Isuzu Southern Kings – the first of two big clashes on tour with the Cheetahs the following weekend.
Brown admits the long haul trip to South Africa last March was ultimately a disappointment as Dragons suffered a 45-13 loss to the Kings.
However, the 22-year-old - now back to full fitness - is eager for this overseas tour to a winning one and insists the mood within the squad is one of focus and determination.
He said: “It’s a big challenge in South Africa. I was lucky enough to go out last year and it was a good trip, but maybe we weren’t as dialled in as we should have been.
“This time the boys are right on it. You have got to enjoy it, it is not every day you get to go out to South Africa, but we are fully focussed on the two games and getting the two W’s.
“We need to be on top up front,” he added. “We know the Kings like a loose game and we can’t give them that. Our lineout and scrum has to be in order.”
Brown is likely to tussle with Lloyd Fairbrother for the tighthead jersey for the opening tour game at the Madibaz Stadium in Port Elizabeth.
And the Newport-born front row has been pleased to see his team-mates positive displays.
“Lloyd has been going well and I’ve been really impressed with his performances,” admitted Brown.
“Depending on which one of us gets the nod for the Kings game, we know the other one is breathing down our neck. We need competition so it is good to see.”
Reflecting on his own season, Brown admits it has been a frustrating time with a thumb injury ruling him out of action and denying him game action in the Grand Slam success for Wales.
However, he acknowledges now is the moment to make up for lost time.
“I went in for a tackle and dislocated my thumb. I had to get a few pins put in so I was gutted for a few weeks, but you have to get over it. It was only three months so it wasn’t too bad,” said Brown.
“I was lucky that I could keep myself fit and do running flat out. But obviously I couldn’t catch a ball or do any upper body weights on my right side.
“At the moment I have had a bit of a stinker with injuries,” he added. “I just want to play as much rugby as I can and try to hit the form that saw me get my first cap last season. I’ve got to concentrate on playing rugby and staying fit.
“Hopefully I can put a couple of good performances in now and turn a few heads to see where it goes.”
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This time the boys are right on it. You have got to enjoy it, it is not every day you get to go out to South Africa, but we are fully focussed on the two games and getting the two W’s...
