NEWPORT Gwent Dragons will be going full steam at Leinster on Sunday despite their looming European semi-final.
The region have a rapid turnaround from their encounter with the Guinness Pro12 champions at Rodney Parade (kick-off 4.15pm) with their last-four clash against Edinburgh at Murrayfield the following Friday.
But director of rugby Lyn Jones, whose side edged a bruising last-eight tie with Cardiff Blues last Saturday, insists that nobody will be wrapped in cotton wool this weekend.
"We've got to use Leinster in a five-day turnaround as a really good training session, incorporating it in our preparation for Edinburgh," said Jones, who fears lock Andrew Coombs' season could be over after suffering a leg injury against the Blues.
"We've got our feet firmly on the floor. We quickly put the Blues to bed, we enjoyed the moment but our thoughts turned directly to Leinster on Monday.
"European rugby is nice and we will think about that next week but now it's about Leinster and we are not in the position where we can rest players.
"We have a squad of about 25 guys up and running, they need to play and need to perform."
Leinster are in a similar position in that they have a Champions Cup semi-final against Toulon looming but they need to keep the heat on the four sides above them in the Pro12 as they attempt to qualify for the playoffs.
The Dubliners boast a formidable squad and traditionally travel to Newport with burgeoning prospects but Jones expects their frontline players to turn out at Rodney Parade.
He said: "I've no doubt that Leinster will be targeting this game and likewise they will be targeting Toulon, which is the tougher game for them I am not sure!
"We have got to be right on top of our game. I don't foresee any rested players for Leinster because they have got a lot to play for.
"It's going to be a real humdinger and a good test for us to see where we are against a quality outfit."
Lock/flanker James Thomas did not take part in full training while recovering from a blow to the head suffered against the Blues while loosehead Boris Stankovich is continuing his recovery from a calf problem with a view to bolstering the scrum against Edinburgh's powerful tight five.
The Dragons are ninth in the Pro12 and are two points above Cardiff Blues, who travel to leaders Glasgow on Friday.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel