Rhodri Williams has called on Dragons to face the ‘challenge’ of facing Cardiff Blues head-on as they bid to make it a hat-trick of successive Guinness PRO14 derby wins.
Dragons make the short journey to the capital to face Blues on Boxing Day in what is sure to be a festive cracker in front of a big crowd (kick-off 3pm).
Dean Ryan’s men will go in good spirits after the 22-20 win over Scarlets before Christmas – on the back of a narrow win over the same team on the final day of last season.
However, scrum half Williams knows it will be a tough test, with Dragons having narrowly lost out last year at Cardiff Arms Park.
“It’s a fast track so it’s going to be a different game,” said Williams, who this week signed a new long-term deal with the region.
“They’re going really well so it’s going to be a challenge, but over the next few days it’s time to enjoy Christmas with our families and then build and get things right for Boxing day.
“You adapt your game to different conditions, and we look to put that in place ready for Boxing Day,” he added.
“The Blues are coming off good results in Europe so hopefully we can build into the game and get a good result.
“They’re a quality side, especially when they have their internationals back.
“We saw clips of them when they were home against Pau, and they looked really good. We will have to do our analysis over the next few days and put our game in place."
Williams was thrilled to play his part as Dragons tasted success just prior to Christmas with an epic victory over Scarlets – courtesy of half-back partner Sam Davies and his injury time drop goal.
“We stuck at it, the conditions were poor, but to come away with the result is a huge step forward and Sam kept his composure at the end there,” said Williams.
“I keep saying the same thing, he’s a quality player and he can win games for us but as a squad we took a step in the right direction.
“These games are fully loaded, it’s a Christmas derby so everyone wants to play in them.
“I was actually saying take the penalty, so we didn’t lose the advantage again, but obviously Sam steps up and takes the three points. It was very emotional, but great to get the result.
“The result last weekend shows what it means to us and the region,” he added.
“We have to keep going forward and keep pushing forward, results like that against a quality side, it’s 100% the right way.
“Hopefully we can keep getting those results but first let’s get our performances in place and hopefully keep moving forward.
“We don’t pile loads of pressure onto ourselves, again it’s a long-term plan so we’re not going to judge ourselves on one performance.”
We have to keep going forward and keep pushing forward, results like that against a quality side, it’s 100% the right way...
