The Gwent side stunned Stade Français in Paris, clinching a dramatic 36-31 win at Stade Jean Bouin thanks to a last-gasp try from prop Wyn Jones — a result that underlined the growing character within Tiatia’s squad.
“The boys hung in there and really stayed in the fight and that was crucial for the outcome we had,” said Tiatia, reflecting on a performance built on determination and composure under pressure.
Facing a well-resourced French outfit sitting near the top of the Top 14, the Dragons arrived as clear outsiders.
But instead of being overawed, they delivered a disciplined and spirited display to overturn expectations and claim a famous scalp on the road.
Tiatia highlighted the quality his side showed, particularly in key moments.
“The first half there was a lot of good things. I just wanted to take the opportunities that were in front of them and just be clear and calm. We showed that at the end.
“It was a very positive day for us and I'm proud of them and thankful for the support we had here from our fans.
“We have a quarter-final to look forward to and an opportunity.”
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It was third time lucky for the Welsh regions in the EPCR Challenge Cup as the Dragons conjured up a 79th minute try beat Stade Francais in Paris and earn themselves a quarter final trip to Italians Zebre.
Having seen both Cardiff and the Ospreys have claims for what would have been matchwinning scores in the 78th minute of their respective ties against Benetton Rugby and Ulster the Dragons powered their way to a sensational victory in the French capital.
Having sped into a 17 point lead at Stade Jean Bouin, the scene of one of their greatest European victories over the same opponents in 2014, the Dragons then saw the home side hit back to cut the gap to three points at the break.
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Then the Parisians went on to lead 24-17 and 31 -24 in the second half. As the clock moved towards the red it looked as though another brave Welsh effort was going to come up just short, but then came the sting in the tail.
Elliot Dee, like full back Angus O’Brien a survivor from the win in 2014, crashed over in the 69th minute and then former Wales and British & Irish Lions prop Wyn Jones finished things off with a try in the 79th minute that proved to be the matchwinner.
Those two tries were among four from the Dragons front row contingent as Wales caps Brodie Coghlan and Chris Coleman also got in on the action.
An electrifying start from the Dragons saw them notch tries from O’Brien and Coghlan to throw down the gauntlet to their hosts. O’Brien converted both and kicked a penalty on his way to a match haul fo 16 points.
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Twelve years earlier he had scored 18 points in the earlier triumph and once again he was the talisman for the Men of Gwent. Those 17 points came in the opening 17 minutes and forced Stade Francais, sitting in third place in the Top 14, to react.
A brace of tries in as many minutes before the break by Spanish international centre Sam Ezeala got them back on course. Louis Foursans-Bourdette converted them both to cut the gap to three points at the break.
The Parisians added a third try in the space of seven minut4s either side of the interval when No 8 Yoan Tanga burst into the line five minutes after the re-start to put the home side ahead for the first time.
Foursans-Bourdette converted and then kicked a penalty to make it 24-17, but the Dragons were in no mood to capitulate and Coleman crashed over from close range for a try that O’Brien improved to level the scores just short of the hour mark.
Once again it was anyone’s game and when Eseala, named Man of the Match, drove over for his hat-trick try five minutes later it was another blow for the visitors. Zach Henry converted to make it 31-24.
But cometh the hour, cometh the Men of Gwent. Dee converted a driving maul for a try that cut the gap to two points and then Jones grabbed the headlines with his last gasp try that O’Brien converted to put the final seal on an amazing win on the road for the Dragons and their supporters.
The victory continues a clear upward trend for the Dragons this season.
Having endured a difficult start to their European campaign — including a heavy defeat to Perpignan — they have gradually built momentum through a series of competitive performances, including tough outings in South Africa and narrow losses against Munster and the Ospreys.
This breakthrough result in Paris now stands alongside some of the club’s most famous wins, notably their 2016 Challenge Cup triumph over Gloucester at Kingsholm.
On this occasion, it was Wyn Jones who etched his name into club folklore, powering over from close range for his first try since the 2020 Six Nations to seal the result in dramatic fashion.
It also marked the Dragons’ first away victory of the season — a milestone that further emphasises their development under Tiatia’s leadership.
Next up is a quarter-final trip to Zebre Parma, a side currently propping up the United Rugby Championship standings.
Despite that, Zebre have already shown their ability in this competition, notably defeating the Ospreys earlier in the campaign.
For the Dragons, though, confidence will be high. With two wins, a draw and eight defeats from previous visits to Parma, history may not favour them — but current form suggests this is a very different side capable of challenging expectations.
Elsewhere, there was frustration for Wales’ other representatives in the competition. Cardiff and the Ospreys both exited at the last-16 stage following agonising defeats.
Cardiff pushed Benetton to the limit in Treviso, coming within touching distance of a famous win despite a depleted squad. However, a late decision not to review a potential try proved contentious.
“It’s a tough one to take because there's different rules and set-up between the URC and Europe,” said head coach Corniel van Zyl.
“We understand but it feels like we could have had a look at the last one. You never know, it could have been a try and that would have won it.”
Captain Liam Belcher echoed the pride within the camp despite the defeat.
“If you look at our squad with the injuries we had, I don't think anybody would have given us a chance.
“We have had a lot of wins this year but I think that is one of our proudest performances. We pushed them all the way and could have won that.”
The Ospreys also fell victim to late drama, with a potential match-winning try ruled out for a marginal forward pass following a TMO review in Belfast.
While those sides were left to reflect on what might have been, the Dragons march on — buoyed by a statement victory and the belief instilled by their head coach.
With Tiatia’s faith in his squad clear, and momentum building at a crucial stage of the season, the Dragons now carry Welsh hopes into the last eight — and perhaps beyond.
