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Dragons endured a nightmare 2025 that was winless until they beat Lyon in the Challenge Cup on 14 December, which was followed by a stunning URC victory against Connacht six days later.<\/p>\n
Filo Tiatia’s men finished bottom of the URC last season, but resilient recent displays have given reason for optimism.<\/p>\n
Dragons are currently 15th, but could go 10th with victory against Scarlets.<\/p>\n
Not only do they want to avoid propping up the pile this season, they would love to avoid being Wales’ worst side for the first time since 2019-20.<\/p>\n
Head coach Tiatia believes their battling display at Cardiff provided encouragement.<\/p>\n
“There were some positives, and we stayed in the fight to try and win it at the end,” he said.<\/p>\n
“We were maybe five or 10% off in terms of some physicality parts of game, but we have lots to take forward into Scarlets.”<\/p>\n
Scarlets are currently bottom of the URC, although they do have a game in hand, and recent progress was brought to a dramatic halt against Ospreys.<\/p>\n
“The games are coming thick and fast,” said head coach Dwayne Peel, whose side have Champions Cup fixtures against Pau and Northampton on the horizon.<\/p>\n
“The Dragons is another important game and another tough game for us. We have to make sure we go to Rodney Parade with a spark and full of energy.”<\/p>\n
Like Ospreys, a New Year’s Day win would dramatically change the picture in the URC and give some hope of repeating last season’s charge to the top eight.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n