Dynamic back row Ollie Griffiths believes the pack at Dragons has come a long way since the start of the season – after going head-to-head with a physical Ulster Rugby outfit.
Griffiths made his return in the Principality Stadium date with the high-flying Irish province and was full of praise for the manner with which Dragons fronted up.
Dragons lost 40-17 in Belfast at the start of the season but on this occasion stood up to a huge physical test to eventually grab a losing bonus point.
And for Griffiths that is a platform to build on in the next two Guinness PRO14 fixtures with Glasgow Warriors and Edinburgh Rugby at the region’s new adopted home.
“Ulster are a good team who pride themselves on set piece and being physical,” said Griffiths, who scored on his comeback in the clash.
“I felt we matched them physically. We had lots of opportunities with the driving maul and the big moment came just before half time.
“We just struggled to get it over so we will have a look at that and see what we can do better.
“I certainly felt it would have swung the game if we got five or seven points there.
“Up front we have come a long way from the first few games of the season when we got pinged at scrums and the driving maul wasn’t great,” he added.
“Our foundations are there now and we need to build on it.
“We did well against Glasgow up in Scotland and our aim is Champions Cup rugby, that is where we want to be playing.
“We didn’t have a great run in the tournament this season with Covid having a big impact.
“That’s where I want to be as an individual and where the squad want to be playing. The next couple of games are huge for us.”
We did well against Glasgow up in Scotland and our aim is Champions Cup rugby... The next couple of games are huge for us...
