Adam Warren believes a daunting away clash in Perpignan could be the game to ‘flick the switch’ for Dragons - as the region launch European Challenge cup hopes on Saturday evening.
Dragons will embark on an epic 2,000-mile day-trip to start the pool stages with Top14 side Perpignan waiting for them at Stade Aime Giral (kick-off 5.30pm UK time).
Dean Ryan’s men will fly to the southern-most city in France, play the game at the foot of the Pyrenees, and then jump straight back on the plane to avoid Covid restrictions.
And Warren hopes the combination of a whirlwind day, a new tournament, and foreign opposition - in what is renowned as an intimidating venue - can be a spark for Dragons.
“It’s been tough the last few weeks,” said Warren. “We felt we were quite close to winning games at the start of the season. We were losing narrowly, but really competing, but since the international break we haven’t played as well.
“This is a new competition. Sometimes, you need something different to spark you – a French team, away from home in Europe, could just flick the switch.
“In that sense it’s a real opportunity. We need to put things right and we’re very keen to do that. A good result, or even a good performance from us could really allow us to kick on and get some momentum into our season.”
Warren starts the game in France as he continues his successful comeback - this time last year he underwent a groin operation after suffering a nasty injury where the ligament become detached from the bone.
The 30-year-old made remarkable progress towards getting back on the field, before a calf injury stalled him.
He recovered, only for the other calf to go, and then, to cap it all, he caught Covid-19 in pre-season which further disrupted his return.
But with appearances against Connacht and the Stormers under his belt, the one-cap Wales international is determined to bring his brand of calmness and consistency back to the Dragons midfield.
“I’m hoping it’s all behind me now. I just want to get some games under my belt and kick on,” he said.
Perpignan currently sit one from bottom of the French Top 14 and Dragons are boosted by the return of international duo Taine Basham and Elliot Dee while Ben Carter is among the replacements.
“This is a tournament we want to do well in,” added Warren.
“We know they will be big and physical and they’ll have guys in their back line with pace who can punish you.
“Hopefully, we can play with energy and that can enable us to kick on towards the Welsh derbies.”
Watch Perpignan v Dragons live from 5.15pm on Saturday on S4C
