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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 Red Bulls at Rodney Parade on Friday, 16 January (20:00 GMT) 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 faced Benetton game after three wins from four games, although all the victories were in Newport.
It is now a win-or-bust game against Newcastle and Tiatia hopes to welcome back talisman Wainwright, Keddie, Ben Carter, Angus O’Brien, Che Hope and Fine Inisi.
Newcastle, in contrast, are targeting home advantage in the next round having won all three pool games.
“It’ll be a tough game. We’re under no illusion of 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 all know the expectations.”
Victory would take Dragons temporarily above both Perpignan and Lions, who meet in France on Saturday.
Only a draw at Stade Aime Giral would put the Dragons at risk of elimination on points difference if they beat Newcastle.
Dragons captain O’Brien insisted they are confident of building on recent home performances to reach the knockout stage of Europe for the first time since 2022-23.
“The crowd are always amazing for us and they’re a big part of the success we’ve had in recent weeks,” he said.
“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.”
