Tiatia believes it is a willingness to “scrap for each other” that is capturing the imagination of supporters, as his Dragons side chase a place in the semi-finals of the EPCR Challenge Cup this weekend.
The Men of Gwent head to Italy to face Zebre Parma on Saturday evening, buoyed by a dramatic 36-31 victory over Stade Français that secured their place in the last eight.
That win, sealed by a late try from Wyn Jones, showcased the resilience Tiatia has been demanding from his squad—and the head coach insists that fighting spirit is exactly what supporters want to see.
“People that don't know anything around Gwent or the game itself, they can get fascinated about ‘these guys scrap for each other’.
“That’s what people get attracted to - teams that stay in it. That's what we're trying to do. Something simple, but it's meaningful for this group.”
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Tiatia has overseen clear progress in recent months, with the Dragons evolving into a more competitive and cohesive unit. As they prepare for another knockout test, he believes the team’s identity is beginning to take shape.
“From where we started, to where we are now, we’re a different team,” he said.
“We're trying to work on the things that are important for us as a group, but also the people of Gwent, who we represent. Getting to a performance that they're proud of and they will latch onto.”
Last weekend’s victory over the Parisian side—currently among the leading teams in France’s Top 14—was a clear example of that growing belief. But for Tiatia, it was not just the result, but the manner of it that mattered most.
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“I was proud of the performance last weekend. Now we have an opportunity to impose ourselves again. We're have another chance.
“I was happy that we stayed in the fight, all the things we’ve been working on around mentality, how we stay calm, how we impose our game,” he added.
The Dragons had to weather periods of pressure, particularly in the first half, where discipline proved an issue. Tiatia acknowledged those lapses but praised the response shown in the closing stages.
“We let them back in, particularly in the first half, and gave them opportunities with a lack of discipline.
“When you have momentum, you're disciplined. When you don't have momentum, it's ill-discipline. It kills you.
“But the boys worked hard, particularly in the last 25 minutes, to stay in it. We get a score and then Wyn (Jones) puts us in the right position and dives over.”
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That ability to remain competitive under pressure is something Tiatia sees as central to the team’s development, even as he acknowledges there is still work to be done.
“I’m happy with how they're growing and how we're learning. We're still learning, but we’re being consistent around what we're trying to do.”
Victory in Parma would see the Dragons reach a European semi-final for the first time since 2016, with a tie against either Montpellier Hérault Rugby or Connacht Rugby awaiting the winners.
While both the Dragons and Zebre have found domestic success hard to come by this season in the United Rugby Championship, the European stage offers a fresh opportunity—and Welsh rugby’s last remaining hope in continental competition.
Competition for places within the Dragons squad has also intensified ahead of the quarter-final, something Tiatia views as a positive sign.
“Selection as well has been challenging. Players are playing well and putting their hand up to say, ‘pick me’.
“Everybody's fighting for a job. They want to wear the jersey and it's a quarter final in the European Challenge Cup. There is nothing better to motivate you.”
With momentum building and belief growing, Tiatia has made it clear what he expects from his players in Italy.
“We've got some important games coming up after this game, but the players are really focused on going to Parma and having a scrap.”
