While there may be some euphoria around Rodney Parade at the moment for the Dragons’ accomplishment of making the EPCR Challenge Cup semifinals, their coach Filo Tiatia has warned that a lack of focus ahead of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against the Vodacom Bulls could make them a very vulnerable side.
History shows the Bulls have won all four clashes between the two sides - including the two at Rodney Parade - and will be heading into the clash with the sole aim of taking home five points from the game to continue their march towards a playoff spot.
But the Dragons have found some happiness in the Challenge Cup, even though they still lie second from bottom in the URC, there is a bit of a sense of a renaissance in the region under Tiatia.
The side have been difficult opponents for the Stormers and Lions and even though both SA franchises won comfortably, there were moments where the Dragons certainly looked like they were in the fight and the Bulls have taken note of that.
Tiatia, speaking to the media for the first time since making the semifinals of the Challenge Cup, warned against the euphoria of the European competition dominating their focus going into this game.
“We must park Europe now – that is the message," he said.
"We celebrated what we did in Europe, but now we are back on the horse in the URC and we have a good Bulls side coming.
“They have been over here for a while, after they played Glasgow a few weekends ago, and have been together for several weeks and are a good group. We’re excited to see them on Friday.
“We’re happy to come away with the win (from Zebre) and we’ve reviewed the game and the last ten minutes there are definitely areas to tidy up, both sides of the ball.
“But now it’s all about the Bulls coming to Rodney Parade and we're looking forward to hosting them.
“They are a physical team, they have strengths in terms of their game, but also we've seen opportunities as well.”
One of the good things for the Dragons is that the form has created some intense selection debates, and there is a new sense of competition within the group that they hope will fuel good performances.
“Every week around selection, players are putting their hands up and playing well, so we've had some selection debates,” he said.
“Since I’ve been here, we have looked to grow the group and when you put the jersey on, you need to fill it up.
“You need to play well in it and then hopefully you hold on to the jersey, and you get another opportunity.
“The mantra hasn’t changed – the guys that get the opportunity to wear it, they have got to play well in it. We're trying to form competition within the squad and this week is no different.”
The Dragons will announce their side for the clash on Thursday.