Dean Ryan has challenged his Dragons to now consistently challenge the top sides as they prepare to face Glasgow Warriors at Principality Stadium on Sunday (kick-off 3pm).
Dragons are in Round 16 action of the Guinness PRO14 season this weekend and know a top four finish in the Conference A is up for grabs.
Ryan’s men pushed high-flying Ulster all the way in the Welsh capital last weekend before being edged out 26-22.
And the Director of Dragons Rugby insists that is a benchmark his team must now consistently hit if they want to progress.
“Our challenge is to do what we did last weekend consistently,” said Ryan. “I do think it also coincides with some players back like Ollie Griffiths and previous week Ross Moriarty.
“Ulster are a very good side. We knew we were in for an incredibly physical contest from what they had out there, so I was pleased to see how far we have come in that short space of time.
“We were a bit frustrated that we gave them a 14-point start, but our reaction to that and our physicality and competitiveness in the game was a significant lift up from where we have been.”
Ryan acknowledges that his side will face a different type of challenge from Glasgow Warriors, a side renowned for free-flowing attacking rugby.
And while victory earlier at the season at Scotstoun Stadium will count for little, he believes some lessons from that day are crucial.
“What we can take from that game earlier in the season is that for large periods we probably controlled it, especially in field position,” said Ryan.
“We know they are known for their attacking style and high tempo game, but I felt we controlled that middle third of the game.
“Our frustrations were that we gave them that finale at the end because it was a game that we could and should have closed out and prevented them from getting that chance.
“Winning up there was a lift for us, but I think at the Principality it will be a good track and I’m sure that they will look to come in and play a real high tempo and cause as much stress as they can for us.”
The Principality will be a good track and I’m sure that they will look to come in and play a real high tempo and cause as much stress as they can for us...
