Scrum half Rhodri Williams insists the ‘buzz’ ahead of the derby day clash with Cardiff Rugby is the same as always - as Dragons prepare to head to the capital this weekend.
Williams will start the United Rugby Championship clash at the Arms Park as Dean Ryan’s men look to return to winning ways.
Dragons will be without six internationals for the clash while Cardiff will also be missing a number of key figures as Wales prepare to face New Zealand in the Autumn internationals.
However, Williams insists the magnitude of the game and excitement is the same as always as the two rivals prepare to lock horns on Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm).
“Cardiff are a quality side and although they have lost some of their internationals they have plenty of depth in that squad,” he said.
“It’s going to be a tough contest on the 4G pitch, it will be fast too. It should be a great game to be part of.
“There is a real buzz around the camp. Every derby has that same feeling,” he added.
“You could say it is a strange one with the internationals away, but we are still buzzing for it and looking forward to it.
“It’s an exciting time. A lot of players can put their hands up and some of the boys can take on a more senior role. They have got to step up.
“We have built depth and the players who have come in will be eager to impress.”
Looking back at last week’s game with Stormers, Williams is keen for Dragons to show that lessons have been learnt.
“We have looked back at the game from last week and hopefully learnt those lessons,” he stressed.
“We need to adapt better. Stormers changed the game after half-time so it is about reading that and adapting to that quicker.
“It’s about adapting when teams present you with different pictures, but also taking your game to them and getting your game in order.”
It’s about adapting when teams present you with different pictures, but also taking your game to them and getting your game in order...
