Kirchner gets Dragons back on track after early shock

DRAGONS coach James Chapron believes Zane Kirchner can be their perfect 10 after he orchestrated a comeback triumph to end Worcester Warriors cup hopes.

Tyler Morgan scored a try on his return from injury, but the Springbok ran the show, as he set up tries for Jaryd Sage and Connor Edwards and scored one of his own.

Sarel Pretorious also got on the scoresheet to earn a comeback victory after scores from Kurt Haupt, Dean Hammond and Tom Howe had put the visitors firmly in control.

“Zane is growing into the role. He played 10 many years ago and is a talented footballer,” said Chapron. “His experience gives him confidence and some of his touch kicking was fantastic.

“Some of our outside backs’ skills to finish tries was exceptional.”

The Dragons were behind after only 27 seconds thanks to a scything break from Warriors fullback Ben Howard, who ghosted through and sent the scoring pass to hooker Haupt. Sam Olver landed the touchline conversion for a 7-0 lead.

Howard was binned seven minutes later for deliberately knocking on a Kirchner pass.

The Dragons stayed patient and got their reward when the ball was spread to Sage, who wrestled his way over the line. Hewitt then left Warriors defenders in his wake to score from halfway.

But Worcester levelled it up thanks to Hammond and Olver added a penalty to make it 17-14.

The Dragons retook the lead four minutes into the second-half when Kirchner scooped up a delicate kick from Connor Edwards to touch down.

But Howe darted over to swing it back Worcester’s way, before an Olver penalty made it 27-19.

Back came Bernard Jackman’s men once again when Pretorious picked up from a scrum and squirmed over. Kirchner added the extras to bring the Dragons to within a point.

The Springbok’s boot came to the rescue seven minutes from time when he dabbed a grubber in behind the defence for Morgan to score in his first appearance since October and seal victory.

Worcester Warriors coach Sam Vesty said: “It was a really good outing from our young outfit and we’re gutted not to have come away with a win.”