Having binned one unwanted tag, Dragons caretaker coach Ceri Jones is now keen to shed another.
Fresh from gaining their first derby victory for four years thanks to their 23-22 win over the Ospreys on Sunday, the Dragons are now aiming to gain their first away victory in the Guinness Pro14 for almost four years to maintain their momentum.
That opportunity will come at another Welsh region – the ailing Scarlets – on Saturday, a possible case of waiting for two arrivals for so long they had almost been given up on, when all of a sudden they both arrive at once.
“We’ll go down there with confidence from the last few performances,” said Jones, who has lifted spirits and self-belief since replacing sacked former head coach Bernard Jackman.
“We know the size of the task ahead, but we will go there to give a good account of ourselves.
“It’s a results business and that is what it is at the top end. We felt we deserved two points last week and we won tonight – it is fine margins.
“Your defence reflects attitude – the boys are working hard for each other and we showed that. That shows that they are prepared to play for each other.
“The players have been making steps all year long. It is 100 per cent down to them. They are doing a really good job and I couldn’t be prouder of them.”
Jones also hailed the impact of the crowd as over 7,000 fans packed into Rodney Parade and generated a superb atmosphere.
“You could hear the crowd – probably back in Usk where I come from,” smiled Jones.
“They were loud today. Rodney Parade is a proper rugby ground and when we put that sort of performance out the region can be proud.
“We’re very pleased for them and we hope they return and keep backing us the way they have today.”
Ospreys head coach Allen Clarke said: “The Dragons were always going to beat somebody. You are obviously disappointed to be the head coach of the team they beat.
“We have to look at our own accuracy. We created loads of opportunities and we are frustrated we did not take them.
“All credit to the Dragons because they fought for everything. We probably created enough chances to win two games of rugby but are here now on the back of a defeat.”
