NEW Newport Gwent Dragons coach Chris Anderson has told fans not to start pressing the panic button just because the club have lost two pre-season warm-up games.
And he insists he is not too worried about the result of today's third 'friendly' against Irish Celtic League rivals Ulster, who visit Rodney Parade (2.30pm) without their five internationals.
"What we are trying to get out of these pre-season games is not so much winning but laying down the style of rugby we want to be playing this season and for me to have a look at all the players," said the hard-working Australian.
"We haven't talked about the absolute need to win these games. It's more me seeing where players are and what they are doing.
"We are all working together and bedding down some new stuff. The players and coaches are learning the sort of things I want and how to put them into practice.
"We are looking to improve on last week and put the processes we have been working on in training into the game under pressure.
"The game against the Premier Select XV was a bit of a shambles but there was a huge improvement at Northampton (though the Dragons were outscored five tries to one) and we have to keep that improvement going this week.
"I don't know the opposition, so for me it's more about us getting used to our processes and as long as I see improvement in this game I'll be happy, though it's true to say we have had a fair bit to work on this week."
He added: "It's good to be put under the sort of pressure Ulster will put us under without being too worried about the result. It's particularly necessary when you have a new coach. It's all part of the process of us being ready for the start of the season.
"Fans should remember we have a lot of new players, new coaches and a new system and you don't bed that down in a couple of games. I can't knock anyone's work ethic. It has been very good."
Dragons: K Morgan, G Wyatt, H Luscombe, J Bryant, N Brew, C Sweeney, G Baber, A Black, S Jones, C Anthony, I Gough, M Owen, J Ringer, J Forster (captain), R Bryant. Replacements: J Richards, R Thomas, R Snow, R Beattie, R Oakley, P Sidoli, R Jones, C Warlow/D Griffiths, S Wynn, B Breeze:
Ulster: B Cunningham, J Topping, S Stewart, J Bell, T Bowe, P Wallace, N Dock, R McCormack, P Shields, R Moore, M Mustchin, R Frost, N Best, N McMillan (captain), A Ward. Replacements: K Campbell, P Steinmetz, S Mallon, A Maxwell, B Young, N Brady, S Shawe, T Banks, C Feather.
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