Filo Tiatia’s overriding emotion after win over ‘tough bunch’ as Dragons represent Wales with pride
Dragons wing Rio Dyer makes a carry against Zebre Parma.
Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia feels his players are doing Wales proud after they progressed to the Challenge Cup semi-finals with a win over Zebre Parma in Italy.
Saturday’s 35-32 victory at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi saw the improving region secure their ticket to the last four of the competition as their European journey continues.
Crossings from Harrison Keddie (2), Fine Inisi and Elliot Dee and 15 points off the tee from Angus O’Brien saw them make their first semi-final appearance since 2016.
Montpellier clash
The Dragons‘ reward is a May trip to face Top 14 team Montpellier, who overcame Connacht in their quarter-final on Saturday afternoon in an impressive 45-22 victory.
“We’re very happy. We are representing the people of Gwent but also the people of Wales,” said head coach Tiatia as the Dragons kept their Challenge Cup dreams alive.
“I’m proud of getting over the line. The last ten minutes, we need to tighten up on a couple of things, but overall proud of the effort of the players and grateful to get through.
“The first half we conceded too many penalties and with the two yellow cards we were under the pump and kept Zebre in the game,” he added.
“It was just our lack of discipline and easy turnovers, and we wanted to limit both of those in the second half. We needed to make some changes around our mentality and possession.
“We came away with some points at the start of the second half and got our nose in front.
“We tried to stay in front for the last ten minutes and they fought hard; they are a proud nation and a tough bunch here.
“It was a fight. The collisions were tasty and a hotly contested match.
“I thought Zebre were very good the last ten minutes, and they scored two tries through the effort and offload game.
“There are things we need to tidy up. How we stay on mentally, but at the end of the day it is about who wins the game and we held on.”
Focus back on URC
With the fixture with Montpellier not until next month, the Dragons’ attention will now shift back to United Rugby Championship matters as they look to finish strong.
Next up is a home match against the Bulls before they are back on the road with another visit to Zebre, where there will no doubt be revenge in the air for the Italians.
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“We’re looking forward to the semi-final – we have some big games coming up,” said Tiatia.
“We have Bulls next week at Rodney Parade on Friday and then we are back here in Italy. We’ll get ready and look forward to the challenges ahead.”