Dragons must show more fight at Benetton in URC - Flanagan

The Dragons are big underdogs in Treviso when they take on United Rugby Championship play-off hopefuls Benetton this afternoon (kick-off 2pm).

Flanagan’s side have not won away in the URC since beating the Scarlets in Llanelli in April, 2022 while the Italians have lost just once at the Stadio Monigo in any competition since March of last year.

A home win is odds-on, but the Dragons head coach wants his side to make sure they make Benetton battle.

“We shared a stat with the squad in the early part of this week because we are like Jekyll and Hyde, two different teams,” he said.

“The challenge for us when we are away is to fight for what we fight for when we are at home.

“It's easier when we are at home because our people that we represent are there - family, friends, our fans.

HAMMERED: Rhys Carre scoring one of Cardiff's nine tries against the Dragons at the Arms Park (Image: Huw Evans Agency)

“You can see the fight because we average 18 points conceded at home while away it is around 40.

“Our challenge is to not let that happen, and it starts this week in our last away game out of the country this season.”

All four of the Dragons’ wins this season have been in Newport while they have come close on the road twice, both in the European Challenge Cup against Pau and then Zebre Parma.

They have shipped a hideous amount of points on their travels with a URC average of 53.1 points – their lowest total was Glasgow’s 40 that should have been a lot more.

Their URC points against average in Newport is 18.9 with the Bulls, courtesy of a pair of late tries, scoring 31 and Leinster 33.

The Dragons finish with home games against Connacht and the Stormers, a trip to Swansea to face the Ospreys then a Judgement Day clash with the Scarlets at Cardiff City Stadium.

Flanagan wants to change behaviour in the run-in so that next season will be a different story.

“There aren't many players on the pitch that won't be here next year so we are also building for that and being better,” he said.

“An away record like that is nothing to be proud of and it goes back to that steel and the extra fight we show at Rodney Parade for our people.

“It's important that we show that fight for our people when they watch us on TV as well.”

Rhyno Smith on the run for Benetton at Newcastle (Image: PA)

That will be put to the test by a Benetton side who need to take the spoils to boost their play-off hopes and a fresh from a mightily impressive Challenge Cup quarter-final win against Connacht.

“They kick well, they chase well, their collisions are very good,” said Flanagan. “They have evolved their game superbly.

“We compared our preview to last year when it was very much around not giving them set piece because they drive a lot. Now they drive, they break out.

“Their 12, Ignacio Brex, is a fantastic player and they get him on the ball a lot - he can play frontline, out the back, make breaks. He is a massive dangerman.

“They have a fantastic midfield and back row which gives them go-forward and a platform.

“We need to control that, hence some of our selections with a big, heavy pack that will try to be as physical as we can be.”