NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are relishing the task of trying to topple another RaboDirect Pro12 title hopeful after their stunning win in Glasgow, writes Chris Kirwan.
The region welcome leaders Munster to Rodney Parade on Friday on the back of a superb 23-8 success at Scotstoun Stadium.
Glasgow dished out 37-6 and 60-3 drubbings against the Dragons in 2012/13 but the tables were turned with wing Will Harries crossing for a try and fly-half Jason Tovey managing a full house of a try, two conversions, two penalties and a drop goal.
It was a shock win that shattered an eight-game away drought that stretched back to their win against Zebre in Parma last February.
"It was a huge result for us in Glasgow and confidence is a wonderful thing," said director of rugby Lyn Jones.
"It is a win that sets us up for another tough game against Munster but the players have shown that they understand what it takes to win against the big teams in the Pro12.
"There are smiles on faces after Glasgow and the squad is keen to move on to the next challenge, they want back up that win and claim another."
Jones will be keen for his charges to show the same defensive steel that secured the spoils in Scotland.
The Dragons had three men sin-binned by Irish official Peter Fitzgibbon but still only shipped eight points, five of them coming when Niko Matawalu crossed after just two minutes.
"It was an incredibly hard fought victory," said director of rugby Jones. "Glasgow are a quality, confident team – they are not at the top end of the table for nothing.
"They threw everything at us but the players put their heart and soul into the performance.
"We dealt with Glasgow's attacking threat and our defence was superb; we were hard-working and organised to frustrate them.
"We came through despite three yellow cards (to Pat Leach, Matthew Pewtner and Netani Talei) and going down 5-0 in the opening minutes.
"That shows great character and we have learnt from some tough experiences from earlier in the season."
Munster cemented their place at the head of the table with a comprehensive 31-10 win at Cardiff Blues, bagging a bonus point after just 43 minutes in a one-sided encounter.
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