DRAGONS V GLASGOW

NEWPORT Gwent Dragons aim to end their try scoring famine when they face Glasgow in Sunday’s final Heineken Cup pool game against Glasgow at Rodney Parade, writes Robin Davey.

They have managed a paltry four tries in their five matches in this season’s competition, the lowest tally of any of the 24 teams who take part.

They scored one in each of their first four games against Glasgow and Toulouse at home and in the back-to-back fixtures against Wasps, but were tryless in Toulouse last Saturday.

Skipper Tom Willis is aiming to at least go out of the tournament on the right note - with a win and by scoring a few tries.

“We were delighted with how we defended against the top side in Europe in Toulouse if, admittedly, we didn’t do a lot with the ball,” he said.

“We were pretty fatigued as they were so relentless in attack, we need to go through more phases and ask some questions. We’ve been working hard this week on individual skills, getting greater clarity at the breakdown and we aim to get a few tries on Sunday.

“We’re optimistic about winning at home. We have a healthy respect for Glasgow, they’re a very good side, they’re always there or thereabouts in the Magners League and got to the semi-finals last season.

“They’ve got some very good players like John Barclay, and Alastair Kellock’s back now, too. There’s a bit of a buzz about them after their win against Wasps and they’re building momentum so it would be good to get a win on Sunday.

“Things are a bit disjointed at Rodney Parade at the moment with the redevelopment on one side but hopefully we’ll keep getting a good crowd over the other side. The club was crying out for development so it’s been good to see the work under way.”

Willis is pleased with the way things have been going on the pitch despite the inconsistent results.

“I was particularly impressed with Luke Charteris’ defensive work rate in Toulouse, he carries the ball well and his tackling is always of good quality,” he said.

“But more often than not the guy who sparks our attacks is Aled Brew, he’s very important to the team.

“If these guys can deliver some quality performances on Sunday they’ve got to be in with a shout to be involved with Wales.

“Our scrum has also improved a lot, it’s perhaps under-performed in previous seasons so has obviously been a subject of discussion.

“Phil Price has been doing a fantastic job and Ben Castle is very experienced. We’re working closely with Danny Wilson in that area, he’s brought a lot of enthusiasm and a real scrum culture to the forwards.

“It’s an important time in the season for us, we’re a point better off than last season from the same games, we want to put in some good performances to build some momentum.”