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Dragons head coach Filo Tiatia has defended his decision to make sweeping changes after a heavy defeat by Benetton left them with no margin for error in their bid to make the Challenge Cup last 16.
The Italian outfit ran in 11 tries during a 74-21 victory in Treviso, with the defeat the third heaviest in Dragons’ history.
It came after Tiatia made nine changes with key men such as Wales international Aaron Wainwright and Harri Keddie rested due to a six day turnaround.
The loss denied Dragons the chance of a home tie in the Challenge Cup knockout stages, and they must beat Newcastle at Rodney Parade on Friday, 16 January (20:00 GMT) if they are to progress.
Asked if he regretted the decision, Tiatia said: “No, I don’t. We made nine changes, and there are players who have worked really hard to get 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.”
Dragons headed into the Benetton game in high spirits thanks to three wins from their last four games, although all of the victories were in Newport.
It is now a win-or-bust game against Newcastle, and Tiatia will hope to welcome back talisman Wainwright, Keddie, Ben Carter, Angus O’Brien, Che Hope and Fine Inisi.
Newcastle have won all three group games and travel with the aim of earning a high seeding for the knockout stages.
“It’ll be a tough game. We’re under no illusion of just where they’re at. Newcastle are a good side,” said Tiatia.
“I don’t know the last time we made the top 16 (in Europe) – it’s definitely an aspiration of ours.
“We know when we’re playing at home we need to front up for the fans, and all the players wearing the jersey all know the expectations.”
Victory would take Dragons temporarily above both Perpignan and Lions, who meet in France on Saturday afternoon.
Only a draw at Stade Aime Giral would put the Dragons at risk of elimination on points difference if they beat Newcastle.
“We’re really excited and confident, we’ve built some momentum over the past few weeks with a good few wins at Rodney Parade,” said captain O’Brien.
“The crowd are always amazing there for us and they’re a big part of the success we’ve had there in recent weeks.
“The opportunity we have over the weekend 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. It’s one we’re relishing.
“It’s a big night for us and we’re really excited by it.”
