Hooker Rhys Lawrence believes Dragons must relish the challenge of facing in-form Benetton Rugby in the Guinness PRO14 this Saturday (kick-off 1pm UK time).
Benetton Rugby are currently flying in Conference B and the Italian outfit have picked up 23 Championship points from their last six encounters - only Leinster and Munster having tallied more.
Lawrence knows Dragons will need to be at their best at the Stadio Monigo but insists they can take confidence from the Edinbugh display as they look to produce an 80-minute performance on the road.
“They are going to come at us up front. It’ a challenge we relish,” said Lawrence. “They will come to scrum, lineout maul they will come after us so our defence will be tested.
“They will pick and go and we need to be disciplined because they have a good driving maul and a few trick plays up their sleeve as well. We will be kept on our toes.
“We definitely can’t do what we did last week and switch off for the last 20 minutes. It is a game where we need to right the wrongs of last week and put in an 80-minute performance.”
Lawrence, who moved to Dragons last summer from Ealing Trailfinders, is set to make his eight appearance of the season in Italy.
And the 30-year-old admits he has enjoyed the step up and life at Rodney Parade where he has been tussling with Wales internationals Elliot Dee and Richard Hibbard for a spot.
“I am enjoying the opportunity to play at this level and the experience of it all,” he said.
“With Hibbs and Elliot being here I always knew it would be tough to breakthrough. They are world class so when I get the opportunity I have to take it.
“I didn’t come here with any delusions. I knew where I stood and I have taken it from there.
“Anytime I play or train I have got to look for consistency. Even if I am on for ten minutes I have got to hit my tackles and make my throws. As long as I’m consistent and providing something for the team then I am showing my worth.”
CLICK HERE to secure your tickets for the Dragons final home game in Newport this season as Ulster come to Rodney Parade for the Guinness PRO14 clash on 3 March (ko 3pm).
We definitely can’t do what we did last week and switch off for the last 20 minutes. It is a game where we need to right the wrongs of last week and put in an 80-minute performance...
