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Tinus de Beer Pays Tribute to Dragons’ Tougher Edge

Tinus de Beer of the Dragons. Pic: Inpho

Tinus de Beer of the Dragons. Pic: Inpho

Tinus de Beer has spoken of his pride after the Dragons snatched a dramatic 19-18 win over Zebre Parma — a result forged through unity and a refusal to fold when the game seemed gone.

The fly-half delivered the decisive contribution in the dying seconds, producing a clever flicked pass that sent David Richards over in the corner. 

The try helped secure the Dragons; first away win in the United Rugby Championship for four years. 
 

De Beer was quick to claim the moment as a reflection of the group rather than individual brilliance.

“We’ve let a few games go to the wire,” smiled De Beer. 

“That just shows what this team is about. We speak about our connection and how we care for each other, and you could see that tonight and our diehard attitude.

“Even though we were down and out in some facets of the game, we got together, got a plan and found a solution to win. We are happy with another victory."

READ MORE: Proud Filo Tiatia Ready to Get the Dragons Firing in France Again

It was a contest that demanded exactly that mindset. Dragons edged in front before the break through Jared Rosser to lead 7-3, but momentum swung repeatedly after half-time.

Zebre hit back via Tommaso Di Bartolomeo, and although Ben Carter’s try in the 67th minute looked to have put the visitors in control, Samuele Locatelli responded to leave the hosts 18-14 ahead with time running out.

Even then, Dragons did not waver. From the final passage of play, De Beer spotted an opportunity — and trusted his instinct.

READ MORE: Dragons Have Already Won the Biggest Prize, Insists Filo Tiatia . . . Respect

“I was just thinking get the ball to Dai!

“I felt if there was any chance I could get the ball to him with an overhead flick it might be the right time.

“I tried it and luckily it came off. It stuck tonight so I am happy.

“We showed massive fight and can be massively proud of how we stuck it out and got the away victory,” he added.

READ MORE: Filo Tiatia Looks Ahead to More European Glory With The Dragons

The late score sealed a first away win in the competition for four years and lifted Dragons above the Scarlets, offering a timely boost ahead of their European semi-final.

Co-captain Angus O’Brien said the finish underlined a growing belief within the squad.
“We knew it was going to be tough,” he said. “We came here two weeks ago in Europe, and we knew they would put up a massive performance.

“I’m extremely proud of the boys and how we fought until the last minute.

“That’s two of the last four where we have won last play – that shows the character and grit of this team to get a massive result that we are extremely proud of.”

With a Challenge Cup semi-final in Montpellier on the horizon, De Beer sees this as more than just a win — it is evidence of what this group is becoming.

“We’re looking forward to next week. Semi-finals do not come around very often, so we are going to enjoy it, prepare well and work hard.”

 

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