The Men of Gwent edged a dramatic 35-32 victory over Zebre Parma in Italy to reach the last four of the EPCR Challenge Cup.
The performance backed up their impressive away win over Stade Français in the previous round.
Now, with another trip looming against the French heavyweights in early May, belief is growing within the squad.
For Tiatia, the achievement was about far more than just progression.
"We're representing the Men of Gwent, the people of Gwent but also Wales as well and I'm really proud of getting over the line,” said the New Zealander.
"There was probably a need in the last 10 minutes to tighten up on a couple of things, but all in all, really proud of the effort of all the players and really grateful that we got through."
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It was a performance that summed up the Dragons’ resilience. They struck early through Fine Inisi and Harri Keddie, only to be dragged back into a tight contest after two costly first-half yellow cards for David Richards and Inisi allowed Zebre to level before the break.
Tiatti added: "Those two yellow cards in the first half meant we were under the pump and we kept Zebre in the game. It was just our lack of discipline and our turnovers and we wanted to limit both of them.
"Then we came away with some points and then we got our noses ahead and we tried to stay in front for the last 10 munutes."
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Keddie proved decisive, earning man-of-the-match honours with two tries, while Elliot Dee added another in the second half.
Full-back Angus O’Brien’s accuracy from the tee — contributing 15 points — ensured the visitors maintained control, even as Zebre mounted a late surge with two tries in the closing minutes.
The Dragons were never behind, but the narrow margin at the finish reflected both Zebre’s persistence and the visitors’ occasional lapses.
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Still, it was enough to secure a place in the semi-finals for the first time in 10 years — and a third European last-four appearance in their history.
Now comes the next challenge: a daunting trip to Montpellier, who powered past Connacht with a six-try display and have already shown their strength throughout the competition.
Yet Tiatia’s side will travel with confidence, having already proven they can win on the road in high-pressure knockout rugby.
Successive away victories in Paris and Parma have reshaped expectations around the region, and the Dragons head into the semi-final believing they can go even further.
With a place in the final in Bilbao at stake, the focus now shifts to refining their discipline and maintaining the intensity that has brought them this far.
If they can do that, the Dragons may yet extend their European adventure.
