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Jackman - Moriarty getting better every week

Head Coach Bernard Jackman believes back row dynamo Ross Moriarty is getting better with every minute he plays for Dragons.

Ben Mottram | 05/10/2018

Wales international Moriarty missed the away fixture with Glasgow Warriors, but is set to return for the huge Welsh derby Cardiff Blues with Rodney Parade on Saturday afternoon (kick-off 5.15pm). 

Jackman has praised the way Moriarty has settled into life at the region and believes with every game he is getting back to his very best.

“He will carry and tackle all day. That is why we signed him and why we believe he is world class,” said Jackman.

“Ross has carried a lot, unfortunately it has been the nature of the games that we haven’t really put him into space.

“What we need to do is get all our back rows running at soft shoulder or mismatches. That what we are striving to get – then you get those really big moments.

“Ross has been close to those big moments and his power is back to what it was. He has hit PBs in the gym and you can see it is coming.

“Every minute he plays he is getting better and closer to one of those big runs that everyone knows well.”

Moriarty is set to go into the back row for a huge clash with Cardiff Blues, who also boast a pack full of international class.

And Jackman acknowledges it could be that battle that defines derby day. 

“It’s going to be huge. It’s probably the strongest area of our side,” he said. 

“They are very hard on the ball and we are going to need a strong referee in that area. Our back row is starting to click well and we are looking forward to it.

“It must be exciting for them, to match up against guys who are direct opponents to them, in terms of forcing their way into the Wales squad. There is definitely a pep in their step and they are looking for to it.

“They would love to win the game for the Dragons. But it’s natural, in any derby all over the world when you play against your own countrymen, there is extra motivation because of the international jersey.

“The jersey is huge driver for players in Wales and I’m sure, on both sides, there will be personal battles with people trying to get one up on each other.”

Tickets for the derby day clash remain on sale NOW. 

Click HERE to book your ticket as two teams – and many friendships – collide at Rodney Parade in the first Welsh derby of the season.

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