Dragons playmaker Sam Davies has hailed the progress of the pack at the region – admitting: “They are giving me a great platform”.
Davies won the Guinness player-of-the-match award in the recent victory over Glasgow Warriors at Principality Stadium – but after was keen to highlight the work of the pack of forwards.
Back-to-back physical efforts against Ulster and Glasgow have earned plaudits and fly half Davies admits it had freed up the back line to produce the goods.
“They are giving me a great platform,” said Davies, who recently signed a new deal to stay at Rodney Parade.
“That’s somewhere that the Dragons haven’t been so strong in the past.
“Now teams will have to start taking notice of us there and that will free up our back line. We have seen that we can be lethal off first phase.
“These are exciting times, the shackles are off and we are moving forward as a team.”
Meanwhile Davies has spoken about his admiration for young centre Aneurin Owen.
The 20-year-old from Newport only made his professional debut as a replacement in the Champions Cup defeat to Bordeaux-Begles in December, but has gone on to become a key figure in midfield.
“Nye has been outstanding. He keeps his feet on the ground but he will go far in this game,” said Davies.
“His distribution skills are second to none and I have seen quite a few good players in my time.
“That's credit to how hard Nye works in training and he will get better as he keeps learning the game.
“What he is putting on the field at the moment is outstanding, it's really enjoyable playing with him and I will enjoy working with him over the next few years.
“He trains hard week in, week out and is last out there still working on his game,” added Davies.
“He has worked hard on his physicality to get to where he is – he is reaping the rewards of hard work and dedication. Long may that continue.”
Teams will have to start taking notice of us there and that will free up our back line... We have seen that we can be lethal off first phase...
