Dragons v Glasgow Scrum V Live Pro 12

Wreck the flows through the heart of this city but this season the

Dragons have been fighting against the current. -- rugby. 10th in the

league, 11 defeats from 15. The stakes have been killing us in games

particularly if we make one mistake. We never follow up with a positive.

We seem to spiral. If we miss a tackle that is another one or two

after. Especially against Treviso last week to stop it drop goal at

the end knocked it on the left post and the right post. We couldn't

score in the corners. That is the most frustrating thing really. We

try as best he can to put things right in training, tired but as much

detail in it. It is about finding those little things and putting them

right. We had a target at the beginning of the year to be in the

top six but I think if we are honest we need to be looked at it one game

at a time and get above the Blues and try to get a bit of competition

in the region going. The season draws on. The Dragons

have been feeding of scraps until now, they feel ready to claim

another scalp. Everybody finds of the challenge to come down to Rodney

Parade. That is something we need to do, keep our confidence. Stick to

the game plan and execute our chances. We will come away with a

win. Good evening and welcome to the

programme. This is Rodney Parade. Those of you who were here for new

boss's game in the Premiership would be forgiven for thinking tonight is

my game would not go ahead. But the ground staff have worked wonders. 40

tonnes of sand have been dumped on the turf. It means this game goes

ahead and the forwards will be keeping up with the backs. The

forwards feel as if they are running on quicksand. I remember playing in

here. It was years and years ago again sponsored three. We had the

fire brigade watering the page down. But they've done wonders to get this

game on. They got it into a playable condition. Glasgow came here as

defending champions what they are short of Scotland internationals.

The amount of fluency Putin as well as quality is outstanding. They've

got another 300 plus caps in the squad so a lot of experience.

Nakarawa made as much flows as Sonny Sonny Bill Williams in the World

Cup. The Dragons have taken some big scalps, Leinster amongst them. What

do they need to do tonight if they are to take another?

They need to impose themselves on Glasgow. Show them the big guns.

They are low in confidence but they have two games in hand and they need

to win tonight to get up into the top six. There are a couple of live

wires in the Dragons ranks. Pretorius, the scrum-half. A good

signing. Quicken on the fringes. He makes things happen. On a night when

tonight he could be one to watch. Ashton Hewitt, he has been a live

wire. Four tries in the bag. Lyn Jones will have loved this. He likes

big ball-carriers. Let's hope we can see the Dragons doing that.

Thank you very much indeed. Plenty for the Dragons to be positive

about. Phyllis Deal is sunning himself in Hong Kong so Katherine is

pitch side. I use bogey to both coaches. I have been speaking to Lyn

Jones. Although he admitted they haven't had the best run of results

they have lost three on the bounce, he was taking some comfort from the

fact they have all been narrow defeats, all been without five

points. He has been happy with the performances and seen progress from

the players on the pitch. Lyn Jones, very much hoping that Lady luck is

looking down on the Dragons tonight. Thank you very much indeed Catrin.

So will these Dragons fans who have braved the weather and comments to

support their team. Can they send the defending champions home with

their tails between their legs could maglev find out now in the company

of Colin Chavis and Gareth Charles. Fiji and America in the second row.

South African and an Italian in the back row. An international flavour

to that pack. Mike Blair is back since November. Glenn Bryce in the

centre. The only one in the starting line-up who isn't a full

international. That is the experience that Glasgow can call on

even though they have nine players missing with the Scotland squad.

They face Italy this weekend. As far as the Dragons are concerned, Phil

Price is back on the Lucent and Matthew Screech in the second row

after missing last week against Treviso. Lewis Evans starts since

the Christmas derbies. Nick Scott is on the wing for Hallam Amos who is

on stewed tea. They will be a minutes silence in memory of Dragons

regular fan, John Davidson, who passed away recently. And also for

those who lost their lives as part of operation Granby back in the

queue AT war. Gary Conway of Ireland the man in

charge of the seething. Leighton Hodges and David Cambourne, the two

assistants. -- this evening. As Ross was mentioning at the start of the

programme, a very sandy Rodney Parade. At least it has been tried

this week so hopefully it will be a running surface.

Mike Blair, an experienced 85 capped Scottish in to national. He will be

35 in April. Missed most of the season. Glasgow calling on that kind

of experience with so many players missing. A good evening to Colin

Chavis next to me. It is a measure of the two respective squads that

you've got to internationals for the Dragons, every single one by one in

the starting line-up internationals with some to spare for Glasgow. It

is understandable why Glasgow were the champions last season. They were

depleted with guys on Scotland duty but still a strong team in Rodney

Parade. You want to get back the

championship winning form as well. The win against Munster last week

meant they had three defeats sandwiched in a drawer before then.

A steady scrum allowing Pretorius to choose his moment. Ashton Hewitt

just tracking on the inside shoulder of O'Brien.

Crosswell getting them an extra yard into the 22.

Matthew Screech getting his hands on the ball early as well.

Some very promising moves from the Dragons as the ruck up the phases

and go ever nearer the try line. That is excellence pressure from the

Dragons early on. A very good start. They were

crossing the game and well but it is a simple approach. This attitude of

taking it straight to Glasgow, hit them out. It was a way of imposing

themselves early doors. Favaro thought what he was doing was

quite legal. The referee explaining to the captain the way he reads the

situation. No time wasted by the former Wales

and the 20 outside-half. Angus O'Brien gives Dragons the first

points. Glasgow have given away a penalty

for stuff you don't need to do that on an evening like this.

Duncan Weir surplus to requirements for Scotland.

Back into Glasgow hands and immediately. A quick tap and go. Rob

Harley dropped it. But it had gone forward and the advantage that

Glasgow Edwin Maka themselves slips out of their hands. -- Glasgow hard

for themselves. They can't give the ball away. Although the penalty was

taken quickly they need to get a moment to regroup. It is an ideal

time to get the ball back into the opponent half.

Pressure coming on the Dragon scrum. Lewis Evans looking to get the ball

clear. It is well worked, giving the

half-backs tying together the clearance away. An extra drive

taking it away from the Glasgow forwards. Just giving them the

breathing space they needed. Fraser Browne, the Glasgow hooker.

He is stood off and Harley drives. It was an effective way of

preventing the line as drive-by Glasgow. It is always interesting to

see what tactics are in gauged when they try to bring them down early.

A lovely bit of football skill by Duncan Weir! Didn't expect that ball

to land where it did. A fantastic steel thereby Lewis

Evans. Not afraid of taking on this Glasgow

defence. Pretorius was under pressure. He

was's path was blocked. -- Hewitt's. Weird changes direction.

An excellent touch finder in the end. May you thinking about the

quick through. Carl Meyer. The great bit of work by Duncan

Weir. The follow up work by Lewis Evans,

top drawer. That by Pretorius as well.

A range of different skills being shown in the opening minutes.

Can't go Belec to touch. You don't want to give Naiyaravoro a chance to

learn back at you. A good tackle by T. Rhys Thomas.

Again, Pretorius employing the dummy kick that time. Asking you little

bit too much. Back for the Dragons scrum.

It is good to see Pretorius being the live wire we expect him to be.

You just think maybe he should keep his powder dry, waits for those gaps

to appear, the forwards to expend some energy. Then let it see it open

up for him. Six foot five, almost 19 stone. We

have seen how effective Naiyaravoro can be. Four tries this season.

He is departing, are you understand, the end of the season.

These gram by the Dragons, a loose pass. These gram.

They really are flying up. In the end, the pressure was too great.

Support didn't come in time for Angus O'Brien. That is a very

effective blitzing out and putting pressure on the ball carrier.

I know we are only ten minutes into the game but it appears the Dragons

want to try everything from everywhere while Glasgow are content

to ease themselves down the park. The Dragons, if the ball goes over,

they need to kick it deep and make them work. It is a very still

evening. There is a hint of wind to help or hinder either team.

That was Duncan Weir who won the penalty for his team. He now, the

one who is going to convert it. Success for Duncan Weir. Thresher

has turned into points. All square at 3-3.

The kick aimed down at Rory Hughes. Just their a hint Ashton Hewitt was

impeded. Great hands by Nakarawa as we expect.

Good play by Lewis Evans, beating the on rushing defence. Pretorius

flawed. -- flawed. Rory Hughes was the sole Glasgow

player in the ruck but he is the one who gave away the penalty. You'd

almost think the way the defence has performed so far, the Glasgow team

don't need to give away these penalties. They've got a very good,

strong rush defence. Why give away in easy three points to the Dragons?

The coaching staff of the Dragons. Just sending down a few messages.

Perfect. A lovely kick. That restores the Dragons early lead. You

want these forwards running back now. They need to know they are

going to secure the ball and launch back into the Glasgow half.

Similar long kicks down the 22 employed by both teams. It was that

much further infield van for the winger. Adam Hughes has to go the

long way around. Favaro is over the ball. Favaro has won it for Glasgow.

Nakarawa slips it. But here come the Dragons. Ashton Hewitt. Try to put

it in the opposite direction. Good follow-up by Adam Warren. Glasgow

going nowhere. A good hate by Brok Harris. It isn't

just in the grammar via getting to know each other.

Nakarawa stopped rather than following play. Scott giving chase.

Can't quite control it. He has won it. Not quickly enough to do

anything with it. Glasgow coming in on the site, penalty for the

Dragons. But they would like a try. A free shot at it. They knew there

was a penalty coming. Two penalties here and here. He is

going to the bin. And a yellow card as well! It is the American, Greg

Peterson. He will have to spend ten minutes in the bin.

I'm pretty sure that wasn't part of Gregor Townsend team talk. Don't

allow them to get penalty after penalty and start building up an

innings on the scoreboard. A combination of Pietersen and

Harley in the end. Nick Scott was goal line side of

Naiyaravoro. Angus O'Brien, no problem at all. His third success.

9-3. He has been ruck solid so far. He is

having a fantastic game. If the Dragons are going to launch anything

forward he could be the one to do it. He has missed a lot of the

season with injury, Lewis Evans. His 10th year with the Dragons. Showing

what they have missed. Angus O'Brien called for it. The

outside-half wastes no time in putting it say. We were recent times

when the outside-half takes those ahead of the forwards. We have seen

injuries to Dan Biggar, Steven Shingler. But he gets rid of it

before any of the big boys came too close.

Six in the line-out to five, that is the offence.

I guess that is a little bit of a shame. It is naive but that is the

experience of the Glasgow team. Their players had a bit more mature.

They are making those extra yards. The failure to gather has put the

Dragons and the pressure. Nakarawa. Strauss in midfield, looking

outside. Peter Murthy was there. A chance for the Dragons to clear.

Fancied a run initially but Adam Hughes eventually put boot to ball.

It is a very effective kick as well. Both teams are guilty at times are

failing to hang onto the ball and Glasgow have had a couple of

occasions. At this bias, Glasgow Arron Monk down and they haven't had

a chance to reorganise. As you would hope the Dragons would be able to

put that we can scrum and park under pressure and make these ten minutes

tell. We have got to turn the screw. Off the top from Rob Howley. Down

there, just a tad deep from Duncan Wear. Pretorius, there is no

fullback at home, Peter Murphy had dropped back. Spots a bit of space.

Nicely kept in by Ashton Hewitt who is looking very well executed kick

from Duncan Wear. Leone Nakarawa. The third man eventually brings him

down. Peter Murch E. The Dragons making it difficult for

Glasgow to get yardage downfield and force the Keck. -- kick.

Good following up from the outside-half, Strauss gets it to

Rory Hughes. He was watching the bounce. Straight into the hands of

Leone Nakarawa, this could be danger, Simone Favaro is there.

There is the cover from Lewis Evans and Adam Warren. Brown. It was

fairly loose. Duncan Weir. There is a bit of space there for Taqele

Naiyaravoro. He could be under pressure. He is doing his best to

get back to help him. They have done just enough to win the ball and the

penalty. We saw the Dragons defence, we mentioned earlier, pin them back

in their half and keep Glasgow under pressure and they have managed to do

that, just a couple of loose kicks which meant they did not keep the

pressure on but you would hope now that the penalty would give them a

start point hopefully close to the Glasgow 22. Carl Meyer is getting

treatment. Kingsley, 22 minutes played, happy with what you are

seeing? There are lots of good things, unfortunately we have not

got a try, but we have gained a few penalties in the right area. Please

with that and with the young Welsh boys, Angus stepping up, stepping up

responsibility wise although his accuracy is not perfect. His

confidence is great and it is the same for Matthew Screech as well. We

are pleased with the way we are defending, but in pressure on

Glasgow, we need to manage our exits a bit better. What about the way

Glasgow are playing? We know what they are about, they play the same

wherever they play, they did it against Munster last week, they got

some great ballplayers, a lot of players back from Scotland this

week, Strauss is an influential player but we have managed to

contain them and we have got the players in the right areas.

Hopefully we can keep it going until half-time. Kingsley, you are a busy

man, we will catch up with you later. The Dragons guilty of missing

the penalty kick, Lewis Evans at showing the way. That was illegal

from Adam Warren. Clearly playing the ball when he was off his feet.

There is a chance for Duncan Weir to cut the deficit. It is the basics

that can cost you, that missed penalty, to throw into Glasgow

rather than to the Dragons, way downfield and immediately back under

pressure. It is very cliched to keep mentioning get the basics right, but

kick those penalties into touch, the forwards need a platform to work

from, this last one, foregoing off your feet, there have been some

unforced errors, the Dragons cannot afford that.

unforced errors, the Dragons cannot afford that.

Even though they have been down to 14 men, a chance for Glasgow to get

right back into the game. Curled it around and it is back to

our 3-point game. Glasgow during just enough to stay in this one. You

would be very disappointed if you were playing for the Dragons, they

probably have the better of the measure of the game for 25 minutes

but to be only three points up particularly with a yellow card, you

would want a little bit more. Greg Peterson just limbering up. He will

be back pretty much at the next stoppage.

Mike Blair is the recipient. Straight out from Lewis Evans to

Carl Meyer. The timing had to be spot on, Mike

Blair Brave underneath the high ball. That means, three points

apiece during the sin-bin Inc. Sorry to be Lewis Evans 's best friend,

that was expert, he fielded the Keck straight into his fullback and won

the possession, that was a lazy bit of background play. Man of the

match, after 26 minutes, I think I know we will be getting at!

Fraser Brown was told to release it and whatever the wrongs and rights

of what he thought he was doing, if the referee tell shoe, you have got

to miss it. You hope Strauss is talking to the players now. This

needs to change here, too many penalties.

Angus O'Brien, three from three so far, he has won the most difficult

to date. No problem. Well delivered, Angus

O'Brien. Four from four for the outside-half. As the Dragons look to

rebuild the Leeds... Is that man of the match mantle slipping from Lewis

Evans now? O Brien kicking four penalties and been very bold with

the ball in hand. -- Angus O'Brien. Forward from Cory

Hill. There was that allowed Glasgow to

challenge, get in there into the face of Cory Hill and be enough to

put him off and get the scrum and the ball back.

You are left and you are left. Close, close.

Interestingly, Taqele Naiyaravoro is in between the two centres. There he

is. Just an halfway. He is passing the message on, very

experienced player. It will be Duncan Weir and Dunbar calling the

play. Lewis is a decoy. Taqele Naiyaravoro will be focusing the

mind of his defenders. It was all inveighing. I am sure Warren and

Hughes were looking at each other, saying that is your man, not mine!

There is the big man under the ball. Who fancies taking him? Neck card

latches onto him. Duncan Weir has lasted -- Nic Cudd. Ashton Hewitt.

He lost it as he was trying to recover it.

That was meant for Nick Scott, well weighted kick. Leone Nakarawa.

You just wonder whether that kick pass was the right option, Glasgow

have to be worried that they will get another yellow card with more

penalties, surely the Dragons would be better walking their way into the

half and increasing the pressure? He is doing everything he possibly

could to get the ball away, Leone Nakarawa.

Ashton Hewitt did indeed prevent the ball from going down and not give

away the knock-on. Player. Price coming in on the

angle. Good running from Rory Hughes though, well marked by Carl Meyer --

Blair. Josh Strauss, a bad pass, will Mike Blair it get there first?

There was some effort, got there first. Strauss. He is on his own.

Fraser Brown flight him down. It was hit downfield to Carl Meyer.

Angus O'Brien steps away. Looking for a space, a cross comes Peter

Murthy. Slightly unforced air from the Glasgow fullback. -- mistake. --

mistake-macro. -- can the Dragons capitalise in

these final six minutes or so? Fear they can get a little bit of the

push in as they turn at the interval -- they if they can get.

Decent enough platform for them to work from. Long ball out in the air.

Ashton Hewitt. Adam Hughes arrives. Ball still alive and eventually

packed out. That is one way to beat the onrushing defence. Very good

play, you can see from the Glasgow players waving their arms in

despair, they are asking questions from them and if you're going to

score a try, get them asking questions. There are going in the

wrong way at the moment. Lewis Evans then Rhys Thomas. Now

they regroup and still though, they have not walked down. Advantage

being played for the Dragons at the moment. Rhys Thomas. Back it comes

to Pretorius, has a goal himself, brought

down by -- there have been a few warnings about penalties. You have

already had too many yellow cards, I asked you to take control and you

did not. That is where the penalty is.

Sila Puafisi strike it down and the success has encouraged the Dragons

to go for a repeat performance on that bit closer. You would hope the

minimum they could get would be another penalty but if they can go

for the seven points it would be a great way to finish the half. Same

delivery from Cory Hill, same driver on from the Dragons forwards.

Strauss gives them are, but just a metre or two short. Forwards

regrouping led by Cory Hill. Phil Price. Matthew Screech. Looking

their way infield. Crossfield at the moment, Nic Cudd tries to duck his

way under the defenders. There it is a game for Pretorius. Ashton Hewitt.

Little shack, scrambled defence just holding out for Glasgow at the

moment. Nick Crosswell trying to time his run, Harley was waiting for

him, they could not get the momentum and go wider. Carl Meyer steps back

inside. Still in possession. Pretorius calling for people around

to the openside. But they have been driven back a good 15 metres.

Cory Hill. Forwards doing the hard work. Keeping hold of that ball,

being patient. Timing is right from Glasgow, Angus O'Brien perhaps for

the dropped goal, no, it was for the cross kick.

Again, it was not the most penetrating of kicks. There has been

a fair bit of comment about the fact that the Dragons are not scoring

many tries above is a great example. You could see the forwards going

backwards and they did not have a look of knowing what to do next and

you almost want a bit of a training ground routine to get the ball

reignited and get things going again. They have scored the fewest

tries in the league. 21 in their 15 games. Change in the front row. We

saw Gordon read coming on. Half-time speeches are being prepared by both

sets of coaches -- 24. Gregor Townsend, the Scotland and Lions

outside-half, great success for the team last year. Struggling a little

at this year -- Gordon Reid. An important game for them. Two

triangular them to leapfrog Munster, Ospreys and Edinburgh.

Three teams ahead of them, all three points for the win would be great

for Glasgow. In their quest to get into the top six and the top two.

Lewis Evans, trying to fend off tacklers. Adam Warren. Final minute

of the first half, the Dragons still pressing, Glasgow is still holding

firm. Nic Cudd. Pretorius picks out Cory Hill. Again plenty of defenders

there, Gordon Reid leading the way, Angus O'Brien. The defence has got

the upper hand at the moment, driving further and further back,

Nick Scott is on the outside wing trying to create something, Glasgow

not committing to the breakdown, just waiting out for the next

attack. When they do, they going for it and win at the penalty at the try

line. It remains in tact. Despite all the possession, and all the

attacking from the Dragons in this half, they come away empty-handed.

It will be time for the line-out, says the referee. The Dragons will

be disappointed, good six minutes of pressure, they may have drained

energy from Glasgow, but as long as they get the minimum of three

points, but it is pretty disappointing. Final play of the

first half. If Glasgow are happy with the 6-point deficit, if they

want to do something about it, they can carry on going. Simone -- Simone

Favaro. At the edge of the penalty. Not yet within range. The penalty

would have come in the half as Mike Blair breaks away effectively,

support from Gordon Reid, Josh Strauss, now the Dragons have to

keep their wits about them. Back in their own 22. They certainly do not

want to concede a try from here. Having led or not been behind at

all. I dropped goal was the option for Glasgow which goes right and

they hang 6-point lead. Penalties all through the first half, still

waiting for the first try, but the accurate boot of Angus O'Brien is

the one that has given the advantage to the Dragons at half-time. Four

penalties for Angus O'Brien, two for Duncan Weir, ultimately the Dragons

will be a bit disappointed that the leaders not greater but they do have

the lead at half-time, it is Dragons 12, Glasgow six. Dragons have the

best of the early period, Angus O'Brien kicking them into the lead

but Duncan Weir council that out soon after and then there was a bit

of indiscipline from the visitors. Greg Peterson sent to the bin,

perhaps unfairly, it seemed to be the late challenge of Harley. That

took them to 9-3 and this took them to 12-6, Angus O'Brien was

outstanding at fly-half, 100% this evening so far with his kicking. The

statistics are fairly even stop --. The one that stands out, then

handling errors from Glasgow and just the one from the Dragons and it

all adds up to very encouraging first half of the Dragons, they have

not managed to cross the white wash but you would think they would be

further ahead but that is a decent return. I think so. Glasgow stated

their intention early. They were rushing nine and ten, Angus O'Brien

and Pretorius and making the Dragons play. The Dragons were a bit guilty,

especially of trying to play too much. They finished the game very

strong and they think they will be disappointed they have not got

points on the board. Really encouraging signs. It was an early

thing, that Glasgow rushed defence, pretty potent and forced him onto

the back foot. We saw them playing at their bit of rugby but often deep

in their own territory. They fell into the trap, Glasgow set it and

said they would keep the ball, they're not playing with the edge

that they used to play with and the Dragons fell into it. Whether the

message came from the coach, they change the way they were playing and

Glasgow have been unable to do that and Dragons have finished the

stronger team. Let us look at what Sean Holly has been doing. In that

opening period when Glasgow were putting pressure on, the Dragons did

have an early opportunity to cross the white wash. They did. The

created a bit of chaos in their own half. They got thrown into a bit of

a game they did not need to and Lyn Jones will highlight this. In their

own half the needed to be squeaky clean and get out of their own half

because Glasgow were forcing the loose pass and under pressure from

there, good line speed, they had Angus O'Brien, he lacks composure

but he is trying. Look at the rush they put on, they pinned him and

that this were a Glasgow are looking to get their points cheaply. They

need a little bit of structure, they are in position with Lewis Evans,

but it is inaccurate and now we have a pressure on Adam Hughes and it is

difficult to clear out against a well organised champion defence.

When they are composed, they make good early calls, clear their lines,

it gives them the territory to build and try and score and that is what

Lynn will be saying. Until recently you were a member of the Dragon

squad and we talk about the frantic nature, is that down to the fact

that there are some very young and inexperienced players and there is

not that spine of experience that you guys brought? It could be. A bit

of job and changing and injuries. Guys have to get blooded, it is

single or swim. They are a team learning all the time. I know this

place has been a fortress and know it can be, it is getting the

consistency week in week out. How they exit those early mistakes, it

is not making those mistakes and being clinical. They will be a much

better team, are much more rounded team. We mention that early

opportunity that the Dragons had stop there was one opportunity early

on but they did not quite take and this is what they need to do, be

more patient, they have some shape and it is the winger, Taqele

Naiyaravoro, in he just gets caught. These are the opportunities they

have to take, it is three on one, the only one they created. They do

not take it, it petered out. Inevitably they force a turnover but

they need to be more accurate in the second half. They did enjoy that

long period of ten minutes, wave after wave and could have scored

just before half-time. It was the best opportunity they had, from a

nice play, but nothing came of it, they need to build that pressure in

the second half, nice little play, they send three numbers at the line.

They have Angus O'Brien ready to play, it holds the defensive line

and when they get into the outside channel, it forces the full back-up

in the line, that gives Ashton Hewitt are one-on-one in the space.

They did not quite get the bounce but they spent some time on the 22,

most of the play has been between the 22 is and they need to take the

chances. We talked during the half about the balance of them Dragons

background and how they have an embarrassment of riches to choose

from. I think Colin had a crush on Lewis Evans, a man crush. There is a

table for two across the road with a lit candle and a rose! In fairness

to Lewis, the turnover, he is the ball strong, he has to burn, he has

got very soft hands, he calls himself very liquid, I am told, even

the tough stuff, he can make the tackles, as well as the deft

touches, that is something I was noted for in my career, that lovely

little return kick. When he is playing and is injury free, there

are not many players better than him. Providing that experience as

well. It was a down week end in the Six Nations loss again, this weekend

it is back with a vengeance. Wales versus France is just 24 hours away.

Sport Wales has all the build-up to the big game.

It is the best competition in the world and it is the best competition

for one reason and that is the fans. Catch up the build-up after this

programme and the main event is on BBC One and S4C tomorrow night.

Elsewhere, they ended 20s will look to go three from three against

leaders France. The women will hope to capitalise on their win over

Scotland. On Sunday, the Blues were welcome Irish opposition. We will

round up the weekend in style with a Scrum V special. A massive weekend

of rugby coming up. Let's remind ourselves of the team Warren Gatland

has picked for the game against France. Three changes, two in the

pack. Bradley Davies comes into the blaze Luke Charteris who is injured.

Dan Lydiate is recalled to the blindside flank. Sam Warburton

reverts to openside. One change in the backs, Alex Cuthbert is recalled

to the replaces Blues team-mate Tom James in the back three. George

North swap swings. There is nobody better qualified to talk about the

second row than yourself. Read the Davis Info Luke Charteris. How big a

loss is chartered as? What will Bradley bring to this? Bradley is a

powerful light. The impact he has is amazing. I've got confidence you do

a good job. He looks a bit like Bakkies Botha. Very powerful. He has

suffered a lot of ankle injuries but when he is fit he plays superbly. A

great person to come in for Luke Charteris. Huge strength in depth.

Ian Gough is a fully signed up member of the Bradley Davies

Fanclub. Let's bring in Colin Charvis. We agonise over the back

row and the balance. We've got four Lions and we can't fit for into

three. Warren Gatland has chosen Dan Lydiate, is that a case of horses

for courses? A big heavy pack against a big, mean and bruising

French pack? Lucas brings a lot of timber to that -- Dan Lydiate brings

a lot of timber to that row. That combination of Faletau and Sam

Warburton with Dan Lydiate would really give them the edge tomorrow.

Interesting. What's your thoughts on the back row balance? As I say we

agonise over it and we wonder whether Justin deserves a run in

teachers easily can prove himself at test level. As readers mentioned, is

just the fact that France will bring so much physicality to the game.

I think so. Warren Gatland and staff love that combination. I'm a bit of

a romanticist with Justin Tipuric. I know what he can do. We were talking

about back rows and it is all about balance. That is the balance they

prefer. They have done very well over the past couple of years. A bit

of match fitness for Dan Lydiate last week. He has had that match

under his belt and he does offer the balance and they play well together.

Indeed. We have spoken to a second row at the back row about the second

row and back row. Catrin is talking to somebody who has been in the back

row and second row. It is Andrew Coombs. Let's ask him about his

injury. It is the left knee. How are things? Things are shaping up. I've

been sent to a senior consultant in Bristol. He is a specialist in

patella. He has done a good job so far. Every positive stop hopefully,

you'll be back on that page soon enough. Let's have a look at this

game tomorrow. Ken wears make it five from five? Of course they can.

We are very strong. It is going to be a different animal to what we

played against Scotland. France have won two games and have a lot of

momentum and a new coat. They will be filing on all cylinders. If Wales

are to win they need to be playing at their best.

The teams are coming back onto the pitch so let's go back to our

commentary team, Gareth Charles and Colin Tardis.

The Dragons join the Glasgow team on the playing surface. Both teams

starting the second half as they finished the first. A1 substitute in

the Glasgow front row. I wonder what the message will have been from both

sets of coaches. It is still a one score game. 12-6. It is the Dragons

leading. Glasgow last one of their last five games against the Dragons.

The home side, 40 minutes away from turning the tables.

They will be looking for a big carrying game from the skipper,

Glasgow. A great tackle by Nic Cudd. Really lined him up.

Glasgow keeping ball in hand at the beginning of the second half.

The game played mainly in between the 222 is in the first tower. The

first penalty coming just after a minute.

You can see live a bit more intense by Glasgow. They want a inch their

way forward. They know there will be a creek in the Dragon defence

eventually. If they can keep them out after this attack they have

opted for kick to touch, they disputed recovered themselves. --

they just need to recover themselves. Adam Warren deemed not

to have done enough to roll away from the tackle area.

It is given Glasgow a good foothold in the Dragons 22 at the beginning

of the second half. Favaro as a look up. The Italian international

flanker. Still on the Move forward. It does stop again. They will have

to try some other means. Lots of running off the ball and it is Alex

Dunbar. Breaches out. It is a try right at the beginning of the second

half. It took one move from the Glasgow. Won the penalty, won the

line-out. Alex Dunbar crashes over. You could see that the textbook

move. Just drive the line. Was the big fella up the middle. It is

difficult to defend. A lovely little pop up past.

Strength and accuracy from Alex Dunbar.

Keeping the other defenders in their place. Allowing Alex Dunbar enough

of a friend to stretch and go over. This can version now. Easy for

Duncan Weir. Glasgow have wasted no time at all to get ahead for the

first time. Taking on Angus O'Brien and Ashton

Hewitt, the 221-year-olds who are defending that channel. Dunbar with

the strength to plough through them both and get over.

Strauss breaking through the first tackle.

There is a feeling that Glasgow just picked it up a notch or two in the

second period. I know it is only five minutes in

that there is a lot more intense in the way they are running. It doesn't

look ominous for the Dragons because the Dragons can revitalise

themselves but they need to do it as soon as possible.

Only Glasgow's second scramble in the entire game. -- second scrum.

Well played by Lewis Evans. Favaro was coming through.

Looking to keep the ball alive. A good angle by Peter Murchie. They

have really picked up the pace, Glasgow, now. Good off-loading again

from Blair. Again, it is taking on men, using

his strength. It is keep ball from Glasgow. Step

and go from the impressive Peter Murchie. Events and they, a penalty

goes the Dragons away. I think that was Nic Cudd in there for the

turnover. The body position. What is good about the Dragons defence was

their composure. Screech vote in a good beat. They didn't need to give

any penalties away. They'd is needed to hold their ground. Sean Holley,

you have seen something. It is a training ground run. It is the

tackle of O'Brien. It is around the waist. Then buy will not go around,

he uses his likes to run. -- Dunbar. Tackling on the legs.

Chancellor Dragons to show what they can do ball in hand. -- a chance for

the Dragons. A stray hand and that is the real

gimme for the Dragons. No surprises they are going to go

for goal. Very interesting how the momentum swung. It swung towards

Glasgow for the first five minutes but the Dragons composure cap the

minute and could be rewarded with three points. The temptation was too

great for Puafisi. For from fall in the first half for

Angus O'Brien and he continues in the same vein to edge the Dragons

back ahead. It was fraught from fall.

Let's hope for a nice kick off routine from the Dragons. They will

be under a little pressure. Get that second row up in the air. Hopefully

nine tenths can kick the ball deep into the Glasgow territory.

They have been floating it down towards the ten or 15 metre mark.

Leaving the forwards and Naiyaravoro a chance to get onto it. It is

Nakarawa who arrives first. That has given them the opportunity to go

again and there is Bryce, straight through. A great break by Glenn

Bryce. They have slightly lost their shape. If the Dragons a chance to

realign themselves defensively. A pick and go from Nakarawa. Lots of

forward in midfield. Pietersen into the 22. Duncan Weir, Josh Strauss is

becoming more prominent. Ashton Hewitt is there. The Tories's kick

cleared the danger. It puts pressure on Rory Hughes.

Plenty of support for the winger. Keeps the ball in Glasgow hands.

Rory Hughes is struggling. Play continues.

Nakarawa, ball in one hand. Pays the price that time. Excellent defence

by the Dragons. These last five minutes have shown great intense

from the Dragons. They are not ones to stand back. They have really

shown a lot of courage to stop that Glasgow attack.

But given Glasgow a great platform. Glenn Bryce with the break. Maybe

they felt they could have done better with it.

Good experience by Mike Blair. A fine covering angle.

Mike Blair had a lot of ground to cover. He did well.

Not the best delivery. Blair manages to get it away. Again, Strauss 's

midfield where he has spent a lot of this second half.

Got in each other way. Trying to recover and have given away the

penalty. The way Angus O'Brien has been kicking, I fancied to go for

the posts. -- fancied they will go for the posts.

It is credited the Dragons. They are harassing the Glasgow attack again

and again. Although Glasgow looked very organised, if you are going

backwards then it becomes very difficult to attack.

The kick approaching 50 metres including the angle.

The first Miss of the evening for Angus O'Brien. You get the feel the

Dragons need to take all their opportunities. They don't want to be

chasing this game late on. Picked up by Bryce. Naiyaravoro

beats to man. -- two men. Trying to get this deal as well.

They have got to get in early. Just tuck a need to the head from Nick

Scott. No intention at all, he was just covering. It just caught him.

I think he may well have to go off for a head injury assessments. The

one try of the evening coming from Alex Dunbar. Targeting that area

which was being marshalled by Angus O'Brien and Ashton Hewitt. Not the

biggest offenders. Using his weight well to get over and Naiyaravoro is

departing for ten minutes. Lee Jones will come on to take his place.

The worst thing is those games when the one coming on is even bigger

than the one before. I can remember playing against South Africa!

The Scottish international winger who once played for Australia.

Apologies if you have been experience any problems. We have had

one or two little gremlins in the satellite. Hopefully, all has been

restored. If you problems for the Dragons scrum.

Not the longest kick by Duncan Weir. The forwards would have wanted to be

four or five yards further down the field.

Favaro is there as scrum-half. You could expect the drive.

Glasgow finding their position. Good body positions. Favaro in control.

Now they have been told to use it. Good work by Matthew Screech.

Captain on captain. It is the Dragons turned to concede penalties

in the red zone. You would have thought there would be a general

warning for them and indeed, there is.

No more penalties in this area. No release.

The change before the line-out takes place. Rynard Landman, stand in

captain for when T. Rhys Thomas is an spraying, replaces Matthew

Screech. The Dragons need to be on their mettle for this one. This is

in the danger zone. Take it again. We will reset the

line-out. You need to bring him down. You need to wait for him to

come down. Understand? Glasgow failed to bring him down.

The Dragons might feel a little bit aggrieved they didn't get a chance

to get out of there. They will have another go at it. Well defended by

the Dragons. Almost slipped through the middle.

Mike Blair is happy for the forwards to take it on.

The Dragons defined on the try line. --

Gordon Reid slips through. It is not going to be allowed. The referee

said Gordon Reid wasn't in a position to do that. That is a huge

disappointment for the prop and huge relief for the Dragons. They were

defending for five or six phases. They will be pleased with

themselves. Glasgow just could have taken the three couple of minutes

ago. Keep an eye on number 17, he was in

direct says the referee so he wasn't allowed to pick it out and go. That

is a very, very close call. I suppose if the ball is in the ruck,

technically he had his hands on it and that is what the referee called

him on. Another shot at it now. Lee Jones is

back there this time. A little bit of tennis between the two teams.

That was high on Rory Hughes. Eventually called. Ashton Hewitt

apologises. Rory Hughes for the second time needs attention.

You wonder if the message will go on to both sets of backs. When you are

kicking those long balls less tried to put in a couple across the

ground, turned those back very, make them go down after the ball rather

than planting it in their pocket. It was very clearly a fall and

interface. -- a forearm. I have seen a yellow given for those. Put timing

from Ashton Hewitt. He knew immediately.

The crowd not buying it, thinking that Rory Hughes is milking it.

There is plenty of experience in this Glasgow team. They know they

are still there, within a kick. Just into the final quarter and no need

to panic yet. Good delivery from a cappella. -- Nakarawa. They are

using the big men in midfield more and more. It is taking its toll.

Nice to see on the far side a little word of apology from Ashton Hewitt

to Rory Hughes and he just said, yeah, fine, no worries.

Changes in the Glasgow front row, James Malcolm, the hooker, Zander

Fagerson, who made his international debut in the Six Nations campaign,

he was 20 last month, he is coming on for Sila Puafisi.

Completely new front row. In blue-and-white. Same three that

started still sticking to their task in the black for the Dragons.

You wonder with the bit of medical attention for Harris, if it is a

wise old head saying there are three fresh front rowers on here and we

need to rally ourselves. It is the untidy at scrum of the evening.

Easier said than done. There was a hand in there. It was so great, they

could not do anything about it to get the ball away from the area. It

was absolute stalemate for the forwards and with the referee

screaming to get it back, there were not many options for the Dragons,

they could not move a foot to even put it. That was quite clearly. The

offence. This time no thoughts of going for

the corner or thoughts of driving line-outs. It is down to Duncan Weir

to put Glasgow ahead. Duncan Weir hits it wide! Now, the Dragons

remain 15-13 ahead. Catherine is with Gregor Townsend. A missed

opportunity to take the lead. These things happen. We need to play

better to be ahead and we have been better in this half. A few

controversial decisions, a try you could have had, a possible yellow

card as well. It would have been good to go to the TMO. I thought it

was what they were there for. It looked like Gordon Reid was the last

man. We have had a couple of high tackles, one was penalised and the

other one was not. It is disappointing when you do not get a

decision but we need to play better. What about your big man on the

winger? Here's a permanent change. He got a knee in the head. He will

not be back on. Thank you very much. Jones is on the right wing. The ball

is put behind him. Takes his time. To be sure. Angus O'Brien. Going up

a bit of a blind alley. Cory Hill. Scott. It was not. Still the ball

back to Ashton Hewitt. That long-range penalty for the

Dragons. The referee has had enough. Sorry, captain, back. In the last 15

minutes of the game, attackers need to stay now, no more foul play, now

it is my -- in my hands, talk to your team, sort it out.

Well, it is Chris Fusaro for Simone Favaro. Mike Blair has been taken

off. Hardly surprising, it is his first game since November. Giving

way to Chris Cesaro. -- Chris Fusaro. I would say although I guess

O'Brien is going for a very long kick, for the Dragons, whether he

gets it or not, there is an advantage, because if he misses,

they get a foothold in the Glasgow half. They have changed kickers, it

is going to be Carl Meyer. I wish I had my glasses! Good contact from

Carl Meyer. Again, it is the accuracy. Now they need to watch

were the fly-half takes the kick. If he moves to one side, they are

obviously going for a log sweeping kick forwards to retrieve. For to

long-range efforts that have been wanting by the Dragons, they are

keeping it to close for comfort at the moment -- two. He gets his

fingertips to it, but so did Leone Nakarawa. Discipline, please. It is

almost as though the head of Leone Nakarawa has gone down in the last

few minutes, his shoulders are droopy and he is wandering around

and seems to have lost the impetus that he had in the first half.

Rhys Buckley comes on to replace Thomas. Lewis Evans takes over the

captaincy. Quickly off the bench for the seventh time this season, yet to

start the league game. Evans sensed the opportunity with

the two front rows down. They could not get the chance to play-the-ball.

Nick Scott -- Nick Scott tracking the inside of Angus O'Brien but they

have lost the ball. They get it away. The tackles are down, both

teams have to be mindful. They want to pick it up and go. The referee is

not happy. The game has lost its way a bit in the second half. It is

almost as though Glasgow are going through the motions. The Dragons are

lacking the spark they had early doors, they need something to

reignited, perhaps one of the substitutes can do that, but they do

need something. It looks as though the try from Alex Dunbar was going

to do it, but the Dragons got their noses back ahead. Glasgow are

struggling to break free, sport Wales are looking forward to

tomorrow night's International. The game kicks off at five past eight.

Close quarters staff from Glasgow. Gordon Reid ships it on to Leone

Nakarawa. Zander Fagerson. Duncan Weir, Peter Murchie. Angus

O'Brien followed him. Greg Peterson, up comes Grayson Hart. Half-break.

Peter Murchie joins the line. Zander Fagerson it is on the outside. Rob

Harley. Good build-up by Glasgow. Coming up for a dozen phases,

halfway to the 22. He is battling hard. That is a great steel by Nic

Cudd. The hard work previously was by Rynard Landman. The ball played

back in and there will be a line-out on the 32. We heard Gregor Townsend

about the try. This could be the crucial moment. This is a tackle.

The question the referee has to ask himself is does Lewis Evans make a

ruck? From a different angle, he is not bound. You have to be bound to

the ruck, another player in gate with the opposition player over the

ball. Technically if it is not a ruck, it is not hands on the rock.

An interesting call if it had gone to the TMO. His services not called

upon. The try did not stand. Greg Peterson, just eight minutes

remaining, only a two point advantage for the Dragons. Strauss

is still going. Op. Cit. Over the top to Duncan Weir and Duncan Weir

gets over for what could be a crucial try. They want to see if the

last pass was forward or not. It is close, but that could be the turning

point of the game. I have been blocked and had not seen the last

pass. We will check it now. To be fair to Strauss most of the game he

has been in the middle of the park and very solid, this time you give

him an injured he will take a lab that is a great little run, bit of a

step from the number eight and the next minute the Dragons are under

their posts looking at conversion -- you give him an inch and he will

take a mile. 4500 in the crowd and are convinced it is forward. I think

Michael Jordan would have been glad of that basketball pass! Not

forward, say the officials. That is not going to be a popular decision.

Glasgow, in the final eight minutes, edge back ahead. The try from Duncan

Weir and his conversion to come. Rides one tackle, writes two tackles

and then gets in the telling pass. Rhys Buckley is being helped off the

field, he was the one who missed the first tackle on Strauss and perhaps

the reason was he was not fully fit. The conversion from Duncan Weir

strikes the post. That means the Dragons still within a kick. BOOING.

They will be disappointed with a couple of missed tackles. A close

call with the pass. A close call with the conversion. 29-macro is on

the field, he will join the Ospreys next year -- Hugh Gustafson. Can

they get back on level terms? They need a try from somewhere in the

closing minutes. BOOING. Grayson Hart. Well taken.

Warren. Going for the outside break. Well covered by Alex Dunbar. Just on

its way back when it was hacked through. The Dragons are on the back

foot, and they have a penalty. Let us go back to Catherine. She is

with Kingsley. What about you? It is our own downfall. We lost the ball.

That is the story of us. We have a lot of young guys. Those mistakes

seem like little errors but then we recovered the situation, great

turnover, we kicked and we are under pressure. You cannot do that against

a side like Glasgow. We are still in the game and still have a chance to

take the game or at least get a draw, but we are looking to win it,

five minutes left, it is painful, the last number is macro games we

have been a good position and we have not come away with much.

Hopefully we have chance. Another five minutes, thank you very much.

The Dragons looking to up the pace now. Looking to get away from this

game with more than the losing bonus point they have at the moment. Angus

O'Brien. Stretches back. Lewis Evans, again, untidy ball, again it

is a way to Hughes, dangerous Paul, Lee Jones comes in with a wraparound

tackle. Nic Cudd. -- dangerous ball. Price, as they go through the

phases, now Glasgow looking to organise in defence. Not committing

at the breakdown, they do not want to give any penalties away, not give

them a chance to get back on level terms, they are battling for the

ball at the breakdown and win the penalty. It is backslapping all

around for Glasgow. They have done their work well. A chance to clear

the decks. So deflating for the Dragons after

building up and pressurising and then giving away the penalty. It

just seemed such a shame after all the effort they put in, there are

times when they were under the cosh, but they really did deserve this

game, but unfortunately, there has just been that last bit of

discipline that has been letting them down. Of the 11 defeats they

have had so far this season, the Dragons, they have had seven losing

bonus point, it shows how close they have been. At the moment, it is the

same old story. Glasgow look to keep their hands on

the ball for the remaining two and a half minutes. They do not need to do

anything with it, just not give it away. Alex Dunbar on the shoulder.

It is all short-staffed, pick and go from the forwards.

A gain, they are keeping it Leone Nakarawa, just a little bit more

space again, Peter Murchie tracking well, Grayson Hart, back to James

Eddie. Leone Nakarawa looking for a way through.

James Malcolm. This is exactly one Glasgow want. Hard work for the

forwards, at the end of the evening, but they are willing to put their

bodies behind for another minute and a bit. Rob Harley. Duncan Weir

controlling things, he is telling the forest, I do not want it, you

can have it. That is exactly what they are doing. Talking about that,

while they are going through the motions, your man of the match

selection? I think Evans had a fantastic game, he started off well

and was consistent for 79 minutes. I'll something that Angus O'Brien

kicked his penalties and controlled the game well, but Duncan Weir is my

man of the match. His try, his conversion and penalties and the

fact he had a football touch, he has controlled again so well although

Glasgow have not played that well, he kept them marching forward.

Duncan Weir, it is his try that made the big difference, but his control

as well, released by Scotland and Glasgow are thankful as he looks to

be maybe leading them to victory although this is one last chance for

the Dragons. Still not straight and that chance has gone, it is as

simple as that. How ironic, that it finishes on the mistake for the

Dragons. The coaches cannot believe it. In a tight, tight game, that try

by Duncan Weir in the final ten minutes, was the one difference,

five penalties from Angus O'Brien as the Dragons lead for a long time,

but Glasgow not playing like champions but doing enough to make

sure that their journey up the table continues as they look to nine on to

that title. At that macro hiring onto that title. Duncan Weir tried

to go with his penalties and conversion, the other drive from

Alex Dunbar, the difference for Glasgow, he got the man of the match

and as with Catherine. Congratulations. Your man of the

match. You like to leave it to the last few minutes. How important is

that victory? It is a massive win for the club. We were really

battling to get into the top four and that is huge. We came off a bit

of momentum last week but it was never going to be easy today, they

put us under a lot of pressure. Tight work, plain off benign, they

kept the tempo high in defence, in their attack, under difficult

conditions, it was hard, the legs where heavy, it was a great win for

the club and hopefully we got points. And alighted we are coming

away from here with four points. A great performance from yourself.

Thank you. The Dragons did go into half-time 12-6 ahead thanks to the

fourth penalty from Angus O'Brien but Glasgow seized the initiative,

Alex Dunbar going off with barely a minute on the clock. Angus O'Brien

struck again to take the lead for the Dragons and then there was

controversy. Gordon Reid had the try disallowed. Much to the

consternation of his Glasgow team-mates and himself and then was

this a forward pass? Went to the DMO and it was judged it was not and

Duncan Weir touchdown for what was the winning try for Glasgow, 18-15

the final score and the statistics tell their own story. The Dragons

made 135 macro 's 3082 from Glasgow. Dragons made less than half what

Glasgow made and flows, we talked about Leone Nakarawa and the quality

he brings, 19 of lows for the Dragons, sorry, for Glasgow. Let us

look at the table. We knew the Dragons could not climb above 10th.

They remain in 10th position just above the two Italian sides. Glasgow

have climbed three places to fifth as a result of the victory. They are

still seven points short of the top four but back in the mix for

European qualification. Let us speak to Sean Holley. That Duncan Weir try

could have been disallowed. Perhaps the scoring pass from Josh Strauss

was forward, what did you make? Perhaps justice in the end. Who

takes the chances for? Dragons stood off the line-ups of a Glasgow plus

one decides to pull out and get into this channel. It is a good tactic

against the stand-off defence and they get across the gain line. They

talk about the one chance, it is all about the crucial tackle and the

decision of Duncan Weir to go the other way. They are looking for a

penalty. He decides to go the other way and he is one of those X Factor

players, Barkley misses it, he knows he does not have the gas on the

outside so he makes the move on the inside knowing he has got inside

support and Duncan Weir is on the inside for what proved to be the

crucial score. Thank you. That is how the Dragons 12 defeat in the

league this season, they eighth with a losing bonus point, that will be

no consolation. Not at all. The Dragons missed a few of those big

moments that you have when you are at home, down on your luck, they

managed to get a great turnover, under a lot of pressure and then

fluffed the kick, straight into touch that give them the position to

do that. The amount of ball they had before half-time, they were pressing

the line, they could not get any points. Same with the sin-bin, they

did not get anything from it. It was those big moments that get you to

win those games and give you the confidence. At the moment, they were

a bit down on it. It made no difference to the final result but

what about the disallowed try from Gordon Reid? You looked baffled. He

will be gutted. How gutted will he be? He is a big lad. They all count

from five yards. When I sought, I thought that was perfectly fine. I

bought the DMO might have agreed but it was a sneaky one. You have to be

wary, that is exactly what he did. Perfectly good try. It there

probably is justice, I thought Glasgow turned the screw, they were

more clinical and probably good for it, but the Dragons needed those

moments. Where do they go from here? They are out of the league, almost

utterly out of European qualifications, they have Europe to

play for this season, but how do you pick a squad when they have lost so

many games? It is pretty tough. Tough for the coaches and the squad.

It is a re-group stage, they are losing these tight little games, it

might be a psychological thing. Like a golfer who is not quite putting

out all the time, they are not getting over the

I've kept what happened to me buried away for 50 years.

I only want to know if he's all right.