Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia has defended his decision to rotate his squad heavily following a 74-21 defeat by Benetton, insisting the changes were necessary despite leaving his side with a “no margin for error” scenario in their European Challenge Cup campaign.
The loss in Treviso was the third-heaviest in Dragons history, as Italian champions Benetton ran in 11 tries, exploiting gaps created by the Dragons’ rotated lineup. Tiatia had made nine changes to the team, resting key players including Wales internationals Aaron Wainwright and Harri Keddie due to the short six-day turnaround between games.
Tiatia Stands by Squad Rotation
Despite the heavy defeat, Tiatia emphasized the importance of giving opportunities to other players while identifying areas for improvement:
“No, I don’t regret the decision. We made nine changes, and there are players who have worked really hard to earn an opportunity to put the jersey on.
“We want to reward them but also see where the gaps are. Clearly there were gaps, but it’s an opportunity for learning. You need to expose them; otherwise, they stay the same and you don’t know where they are.”
The coach’s approach highlights a balance between player development and short-term results, a strategy often debated in European club rugby when facing congested fixture schedules.
Dragons’ Challenge Cup Position
Dragons now face a must-win game against Newcastle Red Bulls at Rodney Parade on Friday, 16 January (20:00 GMT). Victory is essential if they are to secure a place in the Challenge Cup last 16, having been denied a home knockout tie due to the Benetton defeat.
Tiatia hopes to welcome back key players for the encounter, including Wainwright, Keddie, Ben Carter, Angus O’Brien, Che Hope, and Fine Inisi, to bolster the squad for this pivotal fixture.
“It’ll be a tough game. We’re under no illusion about just where they’re at. Newcastle are a good side,” said Tiatia.
“When we’re at home, we need to front up for the fans, and all the players wearing the jersey know the expectations.”
Home Advantage Could Be Decisive
Dragons have enjoyed three wins from four games, all at home in Newport, and captain Angus O’Brien stressed the importance of the crowd’s support:
“The crowd are always amazing for us and they’re a big part of the success we’ve had in recent weeks.
“The opportunity we have is massive for the club. We’ve put ourselves in a position to qualify – something we haven’t done in the last few years – and being involved in the latter stages of European competition, playing some top clubs, is a great opportunity for us.”
A win against Newcastle would temporarily move Dragons above both Perpignan and Lions, who face each other in France, while only a draw in that fixture would leave Dragons’ progression dependent on points difference.
Looking Ahead
The Dragons’ final pool game is shaping up as a decisive test of resilience and depth, with Tiatia’s squad rotation strategy both under scrutiny and potentially vindicated depending on Friday’s result. The game represents a chance to make European history, as the club aims to reach the Challenge Cup knockout stages for the first time since 2022-23.
With a strong lineup returning and the Rodney Parade crowd behind them, Dragons fans will be hoping their side can turn adversity into opportunity and secure a historic European victory.
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