URC: Buoyant Dragons aims to end more unwanted streaks

The Dragons followed up their European Challenge Cup win over Lyon by dismantling Connacht for back-to-back successes for the first time since 2022.

Two wins in six days has eased some of the pressure on Tiatia and his coaching team after arriving into December without a win in any competition in 2025.

There was reaction to the embarrassing 41-17 defeat to Perpignan, who look doomed to relegation despite recording a first Top 14 win of the season against Clermont Auvergne at the weekend.

Amid talk of what the Dragons bring to the table in turbulent times for Welsh rugby, the team have picked up two timely wins.

Connacht’s thrashing has lifted them above both the Scarlets and Ospreys, raising hopes of not only fighting to avoid being a URC side with the Zebre, but also missing out on the title as the worst in Wales.

Titia will not get carried away after one win to end a run of 15 months and 23 matches without any league success.

“We’re trying to get wins together but we’re also trying to build a game that the fans want to see,” the former All Blacks forward said.

“We build belief in what they are trying to achieve together, especially when fatigue sets in.

“There’s also the mental aspect of the game, because we have a lot of young guys who don’t have those tools.”