Back row Ollie Griffiths admits it is a big month for the Dragons with the European double header with Worcester Warriors and then the Christmas derbies coming thick and fast.
Griffiths will be hoping to be back involved this weekend as Dragons make the trip to Sixways to face Worcester, after his impressive show for Wales in the clash with the Barbarians.
The back row dynamo is set to be joined by a number of his Wales colleagues, with Aaron Wainwright and Elliot Dee pushing for first starts this season.
And he admits the return of several internationals could be pivotal as Dragons prepare for a month that could shape the season.
“We’ve done well so far in Europe, with two from two, and now we have the double header with Worcester. It’s a big spell of games for us,” he said.
“It will be tough, especially going away and up to Sixways this week.
“They have done pretty well so I have a feeling they will be going pretty strong and hoping to qualify.
“But it’s a good chance to hopefully get another win and get out of our pool.
“It would be good to kick on and reach the latter stages of the competition. Fingers crossed we can do a job up there.
“You hear it all the time about big physical English packs. They are often set piece focussed,” he added.
“Our front boys have spoken about the scrum and how important that is, as well as the driving maul and maul defence. That will play a big part of the game.
“However, they will have an all-round game and have been going well this season.
“We need to concentrate on ourselves. We’ve got to make sure our defence is up to scratch and then look to play from there.”
Griffiths has been impressed by the way Wainwright and Dee have integrated themselves back in this week, as they look to stake a claim for a spot in the match day 23.
“We’ve a lot of boys coming in from then Wales set-up, boys who have been away with the World Cup,” he said.
“It’s about getting those boys up to speed. “Elliot (Dee) and Waino (Wainwright) haven’t been with us throughout the season, as they have been away in Japan before a bit of time off and then straight into the Barbarians game.
“They have caught up pretty well, and it’s a lot to learn from last year, with lineout calls and our style of play. “It’s an exciting time of year,” he added.
“The three Christmas derbies are always the three biggest games of the year. Hopefully we will pinch some wins, but they are all tough games.
“If we do well in Europe now it will give us a bit of confidence going into these games.
“We’ve got Scarlets first up and hopefully we can repeat Judgement Day. They have been great all season so it will be a tough.
“But hopefully we will get some confidence now over these next two European games with all the Welsh boys coming back in.”
Dragons are next in home action on Friday, December 13 when we welcome Worcester Warriors to Rodney Parade in the European Challenge Cup. Tickets are on sale NOW - click HERE to buy and take advantage of Early Bird rates.
You hear it all the time about big physical English packs. They are often set piece focussed...
