Ace Davies desperate to break his Irish duck
SAM Davies has never beaten an Irish side while at the Dragons but is hopeful his team can finally get that monkey off their back this season.
But not even the most diehard of Dragons fans will give them much hope today when they welcome powerhouse Leinster to Rodney Parade.
The Dragons have lost their last 21 games against Irish opposition leaving Wales outside-half Davies desperate to finally get over the winning line.
“It’s something that’s eating away at me a bit,” said Davies. “That’s a benchmark now. We find ourselves in a position where we can compete and beat the Welsh teams, but not the Irish sides.
“That’s a lot of points that go missing. You see the other Welsh teams turn them over. It’s a mental thing, win one and the pressure is gone.
“They are very good teams but one win could be a catalyst. It’s important we get that."
Dean Ryan’s men started their URC campaign with a narrow 27-23 defeat to the Ospreys.
But they now face the biggest challenge in the competition with Leinster proving last weekend why they are front runners for the title as they thrashed the Bulls in Dublin.
Despite the size of the challenge facing his side, Davies is confident they can give a good account of themselves.
“The Leinster game last year, Ulster at Principality Stadium and Connacht at Rodney Parade – they are all games we could have won,” he said. “Having a year more experience for the youngsters, plus the experience that has come in, is going to help us. We put in good performances but were unable to get over the line last week.
“It’s always a challenge coming up against the Irish teams but it’s one I’m looking forward to. I’m optimistic and I think I’ve got a right to be given how
we finished the PRO14 last year – we showed promising signs. With a couple of good additions this year who have fitted in really well there is every reason to be optimistic but we won’t get ahead of ourselves.”
Leinster are captained by Ireland lock James Ryan who is looking to put the disappointment of missing this summer’s Lions tour behind him.
“I had a good break over the summer and then I just moved on,” he said. “I’m not going to dwell on the disappointment. Careers aren’t a linear graph. There are ups and downs.
“I’m looking to improve now and push on as a player. I’m delighted to be back in, looking forward to another big season and hopefully pushing on as a player.”