KEEPING momentum is the aim for the boys this week when they welcome Leinster to Rodney Parade.

Last Saturday was a great occasion with a very sweet but very tense win against Cardiff Blues in the quarter-finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup.

To come through a scrappy and tough game with a positive result shows the progress that has been made this season.

Things looked pretty bleak at 14-3 approaching half-time but it’s a sign of a good side to stay calm and fight back. Hallam Amos’ try was the spark to get back into the game and then they built on that in the second half to deservedly build up a good lead.

The Blues are a proud side and fought back strongly in the closing stages, putting the boys under lots of pressure but they held on. In the past we would have rolled over but the team is made of stronger stuff now.

It was a fantastic day all round with the commercial department as pleased as the players to see a full Rodney Parade.

There was a real buzz around the ground and the BT Sport supporters’ village was busy – before the game Lee Byrne and I were interviewed by England World Cup winner and TV pundit Ben Kay but I think everyone was too busy enjoying their pints to take too much notice!

The whole day was a success but I’ll admit that it was tough to be a spectator having to watch the Dragons boys experience a big quarter-final on home turf and not be a part of it.

The past few weeks have been frustrating – both physically and mentally.

With the cast on my wrist keeping it in place, not only has my upper body been fatigued but I’ve had to deal with the limitations of being restricted in physical movements and from not being able to drive.

I suppose having a few things on my plate from Life Education Wales, Newport RFC coaching and having to manage other things recently, like a new bathroom (courtesy of Tiles ahead) and remortgaging a house, I now know what this 'stress' feeling is.

It's at times like these that I really appreciate having a supporting family and good friends as it's been vital to my recovery process for body and mind.

Injuries being part and parcel of the game and I’ll try and support the squad in whatever way I can at our training base in Ystrad Mynach and may even travel up to Edinburgh to watch the semi, although that could depend on my wrist as I am due to have the cast off and the wire that’s holding it in place removed.

It’s going to be a busy period for the boys with Leinster swiftly followed by the semi-final and then it’s Judgement Day at the Millennium Stadium against the Scarlets.

We are on a winning run at the moment and it would be brilliant if that continues going into the game at Murrayfield.

That’s going to be a huge challenge because Leinster are going to come here fully-loaded, in preparation with their own big semi-final on the horizon against Toulon in the Champions Cup.

They may not quite be as strong in depth as they have been in past seasons but are still a quality side with the potential to play dangerous rugby.

Leinster can’t really afford to slip up if they are to climb into the playoffs but the boys are fresh from home wins against Ulster and Cardiff Blues and another big scalp will be ideal for the trip to Scotland.