TIATIA PRAISES DRAGONS’ SHOW

FILO Tiatia was delighted with the Dragons' response as they clinched a spot in the last 16 of the Challenge Cup.

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Tinus de Beer of the Dragons is challenged by Newcastle's Richard Palframan

(Huw Evans Agency)

Two tries from Wales wing Rio Dyer helped the hosts to a convincing win over Newcastle Red Bulls at Rodney Parade on Friday night.

"First half we applied a lot of pressure and had good momentum, but we didn’t execute and get the points that we should have," said Dragons head coach Tiatia.

"We conceded a late try, with the penalty advantage, so we went into the sheds and spoke about being clinical and the areas we needed to tidy up.

"I felt we were in second gear a lot of the first half and didn't finish things.

"We needed to go up a gear with collision stuff.

"Tom Christie and the loose forwards for Newcastle did a good job of slowing the ball down.

"We found some solutions in the second half and managed to build. We're really happy with our second-half performance.

"We are working hard. There is lot of uncertainty in Wales, but we all want to play well for our family, ourselves and the fans.

"It’s a positive night."

After last week’s hammering to Benetton in Italy, the Dragons went into their final pool match knowing qualification wasn’t in their hands.