Defining moments for the Dragons
Newport Gwent Dragons are gearing up for “the biggest game in the history of the region” when they clash with Clermont Auvergne at the Stade Marcel Michelin on Saturday in the first of the European Challenge Cup semi-finals.
It has been a successful season for the Welsh, with the Scarlets in the Heineken Cup semi-finals as well, and Dragons number eight Michael Owen is not missing the significance of the Welsh improvement in Europe.
“This is probably the biggest game in the history of the Dragons – albeit a relatively short history – and we are really looking forward to the game,” said Owen.
The Dragons will start as underdogs, but will be buoyed by successes against Brive in the quarter-finals, and away at Bayonne in the Pool stages.
“We have had success against French opposition this season and after getting our first ever win in France against Bayonne, we are feeling very positive,” continued Owen.
“The return of our internationals has made a big impact on our team and we are ready.”
Despite the poor showing in this year’s Six Nations, there is an air of quiet optimism that wales can do well in the Rugby World Cup, fuelled not only by a comparatively easy draw, but also by the improved performance of the four regions.
“It’s brilliant for Wales and Welsh rugby to have teams in the final stages of both tournaments,” said Owen.
“I was in the Pontypridd team beaten by Sale Sharks in the final of the European Challenge Cup in 2002 and missing out on that title was bitterly disappointing.
“However, we are definitely underdogs for Saturday’s game. Clermont are having an amazing season and we have been relatively inconsistent in the Magners League.”
Both teams go into the game on the back of disappointing defeats, Clermont falling to Toulouse in the Top 14 and the Dragons losing by a point at home to Leinster.
“It was disappointing to lose by a point to Leinster at the weekend but we are capable of putting in some tremendous performances and, if we do that, I think we should be able to beat anyone on the day,” said Owen.
“Our away record has been our biggest problem this season but we have been working on things and improving throughout the season and, with the win in Bayonne under our belt, we are really going to enjoy this game.
“And this has been a great learning curve for us. Of course we were disappointed not to have made it into the Heineken Cup at the beginning of the season but we decided to make the most of our European opportunity.
“We have had two cracking games; away at Bayonne and at home against Bristol, and those have given our whole season a real boost.
“We are a relatively new side and these matches are vital in giving us momentum both on and off the pitch. We are expecting a good level of travelling support going to Clermont and we have everything to play for.”
