Back row Harri Keddie insists Dragons will relish the challenge when they run out to face Vodacom Bulls – and he is determined to lead by example in the cauldron of the Loftus Versfeld Stadium.
The Men of Gwent open the two-week trip to South Africa with the game in Pretoria (kick-off 5.15pm) that will also see 50% capacity crowds allowed back in.
The South African giants have been conquering all before them in the last two weeks as they completed a clean sweep over Northern Hemisphere sides.
However, Keddie is ready to face that stern test head on and believes his team-mates can rise to the challenge.
“It's class here and it's a great stadium,” said Keddie. “It looks great just driving past it and we are looking forward to getting out there.
“It's exciting, a lot of the boys have never played in South Africa before and it’s a great challenge that we are looking forward to.
“We know they have hit a good bit of form and have a lot of dangerous runners, particularly in the back three,” he added.
“A lot of our work has been about defensive organisation and you can't afford to kick loosely or not have your chase set because they will punish you.
“They have some big lads in there. They are a physical side but also have a good attacking game, so we will have to be at our best to challenge.
“We have seen in recent weeks that South African teams are in their element at home. They have got a strong forward game but also have a very good broken field running game.”
Keddie is also keen for Dragons to start putting things right after the manner of defeat last time out to Munster.
“We spoke after the game that it was nowhere near good enough. So many people deserve a lot more than that, supporters included,” said the back row forward who stats alongside Ben Fry and Ollie Griffiths.
“It's tough when you play like that and then have three weeks to get back out on the field. It's up to us to put a lot right.
“You always feel pressure to perform as a player but it's my job as captain to ease everybody down,” he concluded.
“It's no good feeling frantic and everyone feeling stressed. It's part of my job to help influence the boys on the field, with regard to staying calm and being accurate.”
A lot of our work has been about defensive organisation and you can't afford to kick loosely or not have your chase set because they will punish you...
