Scrum half Lewis Jones believes the chance to face the might of South Africa in the United Rugby Championship has been a ‘brilliant opportunity’ to learn and develop.
Dragons will complete a two-week overseas trip tomorrow (Friday) when they face Cell C Sharks in Durban (kick-off 6.30pm UK).
The game comes hot on the heels of the clash with Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria for the Men of Gwent.
Facing fully loaded South African sides in their own backyard has proven a difficult test for the Northern Hemisphere sides.
However, Jones firmly believes the opportunity to travel as a squad and face the challenge has been a vital learning tool.
“It's a brilliant opportunity for us,” said Lewis. “The Springboks just beat the Lions and we if we can play those calibre of teams, it's only going to benefit us in the future.
“We don't want to come here and not play the strongest teams. We want to learn and see where we're at, to move forward. it's a brilliant chance for us.
“There are challenges and it's very warm - but I'm never one to complain is too warm because when we go back home it’s Baltic.
“You have to consider hydration, but again, it's perfect weather for some potential running rugby which hopefully can suit us as well.”
Dragons opened with a 55-20 defeat to the Bulls last weekend in a physical and abrasive encounter at Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
And Jones acknowledges that more of the same is coming on Friday night.
“It’s physicality coming again, we know that, and I think they have got the South African front row,” said Jones. “Scrum time is going to be a challenge, but we go in with a positive mindset.
“They have a good back three too, so hopefully we’re not going to feed them too much loose ball and try and play the game at our tempo and dictate it ourselves.
“The Bulls game was very tough and physical, but we did take a lot of positives.
“We’re trying to develop. Some boys had a chance, some are coming back from injury, and I thought a lot of stuff we did was sharp.”
On a personal level, Jones is looking forward to getting back involved after a bicep injury that has disrupted his spell with Dragons.
Initially loaned from Cardiff Rugby, Jones is with the region until at least the end of the current season and is eager to put his stamp on proceedings.
“I’ve settled in well. The boys are good, I’ve had a nice welcome,” he smiled. “The injury was unfortunate after starting the first two league games - tearing a bicep is never ideal. But I have no issues with it now.
“I'm just here to put my best foot forward, help as much as I can and see where that leads.
“I’m not here to sit back and let others take over. I can learn off them (Gonzalo Bertranou & Rhodri Williams), they are both internationals at the end of the day, and hopefully they can pick up bits from me.
“All competition is healthy competition and it's a good environment here. People might look at some of the results, but it is not for lack of trying or buy-in.
“We’re training hard, boys are pushing each other and when the results start, they will come because we are working hard.”
They have a good back three too, so hopefully we’re not going to feed them too much loose ball and try and play the game at our tempo and dictate it ourselves...
