Jackman reflects on first pre-season matches

Both games ended in defeat for the stretched Dragons sides, but a number of debutants, including Gavin Henson and Zane Kirchner got their first opportunities to represent the region. And Jackman believes the squad will re-group and show what they can really do after a manic 24 hours. 

He said: “We were up against two powerful and physical sides. We got some real cohesion out of the game against Montpellier, it was great to spend some time together and get to know the players better. We got the chance to have a lot of meetings and one-on-ones, in general it was a really good week.

“Montpellier were more match-fit and they have a super squad which overpowered us. They have the biggest pack I’ve seen and they were able to put a squeeze in us, but we’ll benefit from that. We’re not kidding around this pre-season with games against Montpellier, Northampton, Exeter and Glasgow. We know we’ll be at the right level when the season comes around.”

Exeter provide the opposition next Saturday as the region’s pre-season preparations ramp-up ahead of their Guinness PRO14 opener against Leinster on their brand-new Rodney Parade pitch. They will also train with cross-border rivals Bath Rugby, and Jackman is hoping to see the real Dragons roar before the big kick-off on 2^nd September.

He said: “Now we can bring the two squads together, get some combinations going, work out our half-back partnership and get some cohesion. Some players really put their hands up today, and after another week we’ll be in a better place.”

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