Dragons seek revenge against Leinster
Thu, 08 May 2008 15:28
Newport Gwent Dragons are out for revenge when they face newly crowned champions Leinster in their final Magners League match of the season at Rodney Parade in Newport on Friday.
Following the determined defeat over the Ospreys earlier this week, to secure their place in the Heineken Cup for next season, the Dragons will be aiming for another huge performance to end the season on a high for the region.
Head coach Paul Turner watched the Magners League champions overturn his Dragons in Dublin last weekend, yet he is confident that the Newport-based outfit can be hugely competitive in the reverse of the fixture and throughout next season.
"The team were put under immense pressure by the Leinster team last weekend, as they achieved their Magners League title. Yet a win at home against the Ospreys and the relief of a Heineken Cup qualification has undoubtedly lifted the players this week," said Paul.
"Leinster have announced a full-strength squad who will be on a high following last weekend. The Dragons will have to be at their best this weekend and I'm sure if we receive the same support as we did against the Ospreys on Tuesday, this will lift the team for their final game of the season at Rodney Parade."
On the Dragons overall commitment and determination, Paul added: "I'm pleased with the efforts of the team and am always conscious that winning develops confidence, as that's what this game is about. We will be looking to be very competitive in the Magners League, EDF and Heineken Cup next season.
"There will obviously be new personnel coming in and players leaving and I'd personally like to thank all the players that are departing. I extend my best wishes to all these players who have put a lot of hard work on and off the field into taking the region forward."
Colin Charvis, who sealed the Dragons' latest win with a second-half score, will captain the side this weekend.
He said: "We welcome the champions to Rodney Parade this Friday, positive that our win over the Ospreys just days ago has injected a confidence into the side. We are looking to enjoy the final game of the season and invite all our fans to join with us for what should be a great game."
Newport Gwent Dragons: 15 Kevin Morgan, 14 Gareth Wyatt, 13 Rhodri Gomer-Davies/ Paul Emerick, 12 Phillip Dollman, 11 Richard Fussell, 10 Jason Tovey, 9 Wayne Evans, 8 Joe Bearman/ Lewis Evans, 7 James Harris, 6 Colin Charvis (captain), 5 Luke Charteris, 4 Andy Hall, 3 Patrick Palmer, 2 Steve Jones, 1 Hugh Gustafson.
Replacements: 16 Ben Daly, 17 Adam Black, 18 Adam Jones, 19 Lewis Evans/Richard Parks, 20 Paul Emerick/Gareth Maule, 21 Ceri Sweeney, 22 Alex Walker.
Date: Friday, May 9
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport
Kick-off: 19.10 (18.10 GMT)
Referee: Colin Stanley
(IRFU)
Touch judges: Nigel Owens (WRU), Gwyn Morris (WRU)
TMO: Huw Lewis (WRU)
