NEWPORT Gwent Dragons are still targeting a place in the Magners League play-offs though they are forced to field a seriously under-strength side to face Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade tonight.
The Dragons lost no fewer than five players either with fresh injuries or after aggravating previous problems in the Edinburgh match last Sunday.
Outside half Jason Tovey (head), centre Matthew Watkins (hamstring) and prop Pat Palmer (shoulder) were all injured against the Scots while lock Luke Charteris had more neck trouble and back row forward Joe Bearman further groin problems.
“It’s been a long season and guys have picked up knocks, they’ve done really well for us over the last two months, but this is one game too many for them,” said coach Paul Turner, referring to Tovey and Charteris in particular.
“Luke and Jason both trained this week, but it was no good, they’ve done their bit and Luke can’t keep carrying his injury.
“But I’d like to get up to challenge for the play-offs, we can still win tonight.
“People seem to pigeon hole James Arlidge (Tovey’s replacement), but he’s a quality player, his line kicking and goal kicking as well as some of his other play were very good against Edinburgh.
“After Connacht whipped Leinster on Wednesday night, if we could win tonight I feel Ulster go to Edinburgh with a bit to play for then Edinburgh go to Leinster for their last game and Leinster won’t want to lose that one.
“Really we have to win our last two games (the Ospreys in a fortnight the other) to qualify, but first things first, if we can win against the Blues and other results go our way it could set us up.
“There’s still a lot to play for. I’m delighted we into Europe (Heineken Cup) by right, we’ve had an excellent season and the players deserve a lot of credit.
“We’d like to come in around being second Welsh side in the table and who knows what’s going to happen with the Ospreys with the threat of a points deduction? And, don’t forget, our budget is nowhere near the other three regions.”
Five who played a part in the Dragons victory against Edinburgh start against the Blues – Arlidge, Tom Riley, Ben Castle, Hoani MacDonald and Andrew Coombs.
With Adam Jones also ruled out the lock position will be covered by Lewis Evans, normally a No 8, who returns to the bench along with Jamie Harris after being on the injured list.
Appearing for the first time is centre/wing Adam Hughes, the 20-year-old academy prospect having enjoyed a good season with Newport.
The Blues are also below strength with Casey Laulala, Gethin Jenkins, Xavier Rush and Martyn Williams missing, though Andy Powell is back.
The Dragons have lost their last six games against their rivals. The last time they beat them was in December 2006, and then by a point at 14-13.
Dragons: M Thomas, W Harries, T Riley, A Smith, R Fussell, J Arlidge, W Evans, H Gustafson, T Willis (captain), B Castle, H MacDonald, R Sidoli, A Coombs, T Faletau, G Thomas. Replacements: A Hughes, R Gomer-Davies, A Walker, N Hall, L Burns, L Evans, J Harris.
Blues: B Blair, L Halfpenny, J Roberts, D Hewitt, C Czekaj, C Sweeney, R Rees, J Yapp, R Thomas, S Andrews, B Davies, P Tito, M Molitika, A Powell, S Warburton. Replacements: G Evans, D Flanagan, L Williams, T Filise, G Williams, D Jones, A Pretorius.
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