Head Coach Dai Flanagan insists the derby with Cardiff Rugby has arrived at the right time for his squad – and he wants his players to revel in the underdogs tag.
Derby day explodes into life at Rodney Parade this Sunday afternoon when the Men of Gwent face arch-rivals Cardiff Rugby (kick-off 2.30pm).
Flanagan admits the disappointment of opening day defeat to Edinburgh remains raw in camp.
But he now wants his players to use that emotion to their benefit and manage the moments in games to secure a crucial early season result.
“I feel this is the game we need and the fact we are hurting as a group,” he said.
“Cardiff will come into the game as favourites because of their record against us, they’ve had a good pre-season, they've got a good set piece.
“There's an expectation that Cardiff win. But I saw a lovely saying the other day that underdogs are hungry dogs. We'll be hungry on the weekend.
“It's about the moments in games for us,” he added. “I’ve only experienced the last two derby games with Cardiff. We were comparable with them if not better on both days, but they went away with the five points in both games, and we didn't.
“At Cardiff Arms Park we lost concentration, and they scored two quick tries. At home it was the last-minute moment with the contact area penalty they kicked to touch and scored.
“Those are the moments we need to be focused on because they'll come again this weekend.
“Reflecting on the Edinburgh defeat, a lot has been discussed about the decisions we made in the game, but the buck always stops with me.
“We went in with a plan and backed it. We need to be brave, and we need to have belief.
“George Nott said if he gets a lineout option, he will take it every day because he believes in the players. I love and that's what we need to be.”
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There's an expectation that Cardiff win. But I saw a lovely saying the other day that underdogs are hungry dogs. We'll be hungry on the weekend...
