Dragons v Leinster Scrum V Live Pro 12

After a two-week break Friday night rugby is back. Dragons and Leinster

suffered maulings in Europe last week. They will be looking to roar

back in the Pro12. It is second versus 11th that position is often

lie. Leinster are the league's form side. But the Dragons did the double

over them last season and this is what it felt like. The Dragons may

be the only Welsh region still flying the flag in Europe that they

are languishing near the bottom of the league. Leinster may have had

the European woes but are building momentum in the process well. That

seven of seven wins in a row have seen the flying to second, just a

points behind league leaders, Scarlets. This is an important

period in the process well. The Six Nations is on behalf of them.

Welcome to Scrum V from a wet and windy Rodney Parade. I am toyed by

Ryan Jones. Despite ten years at the Ospreys he is Bill got a soft spot

for the men of Gwent. Leinster are missing 30 players come if you

believe their press release, to international call ups and injury.

Great time to play them. I think it is. This is an exciting period for

the Dragons. They are back home. Their home form has been good. We've

got Ulster, converts, Glasgow. This is a good opportunity for them. I

wouldn't believe everything in the press about Leinster. It is their

ability littered with quality. Great conditions for the Dragons, they

will thrive with the pack they have got. I expect them to do well. The

Dragons have got Hallam Amos back. His first Pro12 starts this season

as he tries to get back to match fitness. Is he glad to be back and

raring to go with have preferred to have stayed in camp and wrapped

himself in cotton world? He will be fully aware he needs gametime.

Warren would have sat down with them and explained to him that he needs

to go and grasp the opportunity. We need guys like him, he's got a

wealth of talent. If we will see him in this weather is another matter.

Let's go over to Sean Holley. You look at the team sheet this evening,

the Dragons will fancy their chances against a fairly clean looking

Leinster pack. In the Leinster backline behind the scrum the still

got some serious attacking options. Don't let them pull the wool over

your eyes. Three internationals on the bench. They are out of Europe so

Dragons must be careful. They don't want a smash and grab against them.

Leinster will bring their usual threats. You have to watch the

inside ball. They are the masters of this. They are looking for the

transition where forwards are overcooking the fold. You will see

Dave Kearney here. Justin Tipuric over coax it. He comes on the

outcome that is enough in these conditions. No sextant and night but

both their tens will be pumping it in the. -- no Jonny Sexton tonight.

The Dragons have been working on their forwards play and a minor

variations. Kingsley Jones will tell you it is about upfront and night.

Ed Jackson comes out. Looking to get across the gain line. Rhys Thomas

and Rynard Landman connected. On this occasion they win a penalty in

front of the sticks. Expect to see a lot of this tonight. Up the jumper

stuff. It'll be all fast and it isn't going to be pretty.

Rodney Parade is getting to bit of surface water behind us. The game is

going ahead and they were worries that it wouldn't have been. The

ground staff have worked overtime and Phil Steele is perfectly

positioned to give us a pitch inspection. I only see the glamorous

side of life! BPH is taking a step so to speak. Awful conditions, a

swirling wind. -- the pet. Rhys Thomas has won the toss for the

Dragons. Swirling rain as welcoming coming over the stand. Not a night

it be a fallback. Whatever the weather, you can always count on

this hardy the Dragons fans. They will be making some noise as always.

Thank you very much. One thing you cannot accuse the Dragons fans of,

not being enthusiastic. Better they can transfer the European form over

to the Pro12. It is a grim and ugly night as Rodney Parade. The Dragons

are forward pack will be relishing that. Let's hand you over to our

commentary team. We will enjoy the match with Martyn Williams and

Gareth Charles. It is a dreadful night and some new faces there.

A first that Adam Byrne on the wing. Another academy player from

Leinster. Because of international callers, that is why there is a

number of new faces in white. We will see what kind of strength in

depth Leo Cullen has at his disposal. Rhys Thomas leads out the

Dragons, fully recovered from injury. There is a late change to

that line-up. Cory Hill comes in. Landman goes in at number eight.

Lewis Evans into a calf during warm up. Hallam Amos released by Wales.

Hasn't played since the World Cup since he got injured. Ashton Hewitt

has been having some headlines so watch out for him. Three would be

deadly turns on the bench for Leinster. The likes of Strauss,

bass, Madigan and Reid have plenty of experience. Good to see Benjamin

back as well. Marius Mitrea of Italy, the man in charge this

evening. The inform team, Leinster, have got seven on the bounce. They

have managed and eight the couple of seasons ago. A managed 12 in a row

five years ago. Carrying is going to be important.

Holding onto the ball in these conditions is going to be difficult

and the wind is going to play a big part as well. The swirling wind that

is making this very, very heavy drizzle and comfortable for the

players and although there is no water on the page, it is very muddy

indeed. Considering the conditions we have had, it could be much, much

worse. Kirchner does well. He waits for

support to drive, led by Dominic Ryan.

Landman has been performing well in the second row for the Dragons. A

different set of skills needed for him this evening. A late change to

never eight. A late penalty goes the Dragons way. A chance to bring in

somebody in, Martyn Williams. This is glorious! This is an advert for

summer rugby! Losing Lewis Evans could be a blow in normal

circumstances for the Dragons but because of the type of play Landman

and Cory Hill coming in, I can't see this on being open. It might benefit

the Dragons. You mentioned the handling skills and the kicking game

as well is huge. To port kicks by Leinster have put themselves under

pressure. -- to put. Dominic Ryan going over the ball. He

claimed he had hands on the ball before the wreck was formed. The

referee decided that. The wind is swirling more than anything.

They want to get the lineout drive going. Nic Cudd looking to see how

close that line is. It had to go to ground in the end.

Leinster trying to keep organised in defence and not committing to many.

The Dragons are happy to pick and go. It is all short range store.

That was an important tackle by Ross Molony.

Now a little bit of weight. Jason Tovey. He would steps inside and it

is as easy as that. We know he is quick. Showed a bit of strength,

good finish. A brilliant start by the Dragons. They will have been

hurting. They dominated a couple of weeks ago. They have come flying out

of the blocks. The decision to go for the corner justified. Great

patience by the Dragons pack. Ashton Hewitt up against Michael Bent.

Brilliant start by the Dragons. Leinster off the back of a 50 point

hammering so there are question marks over them as well. Jason Tovey

adding the conversion. Makes the stars even better. The tight head

wasn't going to get across. In the end, a bit of confusion between him

and Fergus McFadden. Good work by the Dragons pack. The Dragons have

got an advantage in the back. He is giving it a welly, is Carl

Mayer. The wind is favouring them more than Munster at the minute. It

has died down. The rain has stopped the little bit. But the wind isn't a

severe as it was at the start. A decent start for both teams. We were

expecting a deluge and it arrived about half an hour before kick-off.

Pretorius ready for the quick tap and go. They won't have a thriller

in if they Gopher touch. The way they are lining up, it is going to

go up. Excellent defence from the Dragons.

They seemed fired in these opening half a dozen minutes.

A knock-on advantage being played. Leinster trying to get out of their

half. That is Hayden Triggs, from New Zealand. A nice little step from

Carl Maas. -- Cathal Marsh. That is key in

these conditions. It is key to get territory, to get over the gain

line. The defence is easier in this weather. You can't give penalties

away. Jason Tovey, a good hit initially but you've got to try and

roll away much quicker than that. It is giving Leinster easy yards. He

has got to try and roll out of their much quicker.

Dan Leavy standing at scrum-half so you will expect the drive had they

won it. Carl Maas there's the rescue operation for his team. -- Cathal

Marsh. The Dragons up very quickly. Ben

Te'o. Relieves the pressure. The line speed from the Dragons is

excellent. Yes, unrecognisable from the team that played sale last week.

That line speed is putting the pressure on the Leinster outside

packs. Ben Te'o must be thinking why isn't he in Sydney in the sun? It

has been a long eight days of training for the Dragons boys since

last Thursday. He was born in Auckland and they see a shower or

two there. Ben Te'o has been excellent. He is so, so dangerous.

He has signed for Worcester next year. They look for guys like him

who are game changes. Garry Ringrose as well, he has been baked up as the

new Brian O'Driscoll. People were surprised when he wasn't selected

for the island squad. We have seen in the big games, he glides Mike

Bryan O'Driscoll. I think he is quicker than Brian O'Driscoll used

to be. He turned 20 13 days ago. This claim is one area where the

Dragons have put in so much work this week. They were destroyed in

their last game. They held their own against Castres. I am sure Kingsley

Jones has put a lot of work into this.

The referee could have let that go. There are going to be a lot of slips

tonight. Just let the scrum-half get it out of the way. Look to have the

more solid scrum, the Dragons. Boris Stankovich at the far side alongside

Rhys Thomas and Brok Harris. Michael Bent on the tight head who is

supplying the experience in that Leinster front row. Four caps for

Ireland. He played for Ireland before he played for Leinster. A

good scrum from the Dragons. They held onto long. They put themselves

under immense pressure. Why didn't he get out of there sooner? Whether

it was Landman or Crosswell. The dragon friends fries do their job.

-- the drunken friends row did their job -- the Dragons Prince row did

their job. Poor communication from the Dragons.

By the time Nick Crosswell bits do down to pick up the ball he had the

other seven coming at him. Confusion in the Dragons. You've got Cory Hill

playing in middle row. Landman wearing five in the flank. Nicely

struck by Fergus McFadden and Leinster have their first points of

the evening. It is being a decent start. Conditions are really bad out

there. Both sides looking to play. Both sides off a real hammering from

last week. The Dragons and not wait to get into the top six but they

will want to finish as high up the table as they can. If Leinster win

this tonight they go top. Unfortunately for Leinster, the good

work is wasted. The kicking game by Leinster has

been poor. Look at the touch judge's flag, it is really against them. He

is seeming to be struggling. Lost by screech. He tried to come

back down. He went to have a go even from a

standing start. He's got the natural ability to beat a man. You can tell,

real talent. Te'o is struggling. I think he made

the tackle here. The referee has given in the benefit of the doubt.

It looks like his groin or quad. He wants to carry on. There is the

Dragons skipper. Deadline. It doesn't go away, it just gets worse.

-- a dead leg. He won't need any cold water brought

on anyway! A couple of 30 things for the

Dragons, a couple of 20 things for Leinster in the front row.

Now it is a matter of whether they tackle the line or not. A much

better kick from the Leinster fly-half. They will be happy

without. Use the greasy surface to put pressure on T. Rhys Thomas. You

need time in the line-out to be perfect. As we saw last time, it is

difficult to hang onto. Pretorius is away and running.

The freeboard pinched by Leinster. -- free ball.

McGrath through the gap and under the posts. The Dragons look at each

other and say, how did that happen? It all comes from the hit initially.

I think it was Jordi Murphy Dan Leavy. The Dragons have lost all and

seven. They tried to pick and go and with the slippery conditions Landman

lost. The ball slipped out of his grasp. Just lost it as he was going

to ground. Great work by Ross Molony. Then it is just poor defence

by the Dragons. Brok Harris, as the first man there he is not supposed

to move. Landman has gone to white, too early. With somebody of Luke

McGrath's pace you can't do that. The gap between the two defenders is

huge. Exposed there. Great play, great vision by Luke McGrath but put

defence by the Dragons. The Dragons find themselves three points down

after being in control for the first 15 minutes. Luke McGrath did indeed

a second invitation. That did not need. If they can get the ball wide

and I'd say do, you've got to make sure around the rocket area is

solid. You can't allow them to come through the middle that easily. The

wind is coming right across field. That is an excellent kick. Such a

difference. The initial kick but the Irish team in the. That by Kirchner

puts the Dragons and oppressor. When we came here, the rain was pouring

down and you would think it was going to be a kick fast. That it has

been a very entertaining 16 minutes. They were hacked to wait for a

second for the line-out because Elliott Dee has to raise across.

Rhys Thomas's dead leg isn't going to get any better. You can't run

that. Kingsley Jones was singing the

praises of Elliott Dee a week or two ago. Unfortunately for him, his

first one has not hit the target. He wasn't expected to come on this

early. Definite miscommunication. That is a decent effort from Ashton

Hewitt. Jordi Murphy had come down to the

front of the line. Ben Te'o shows his carrying abilities.

A half charged down from the new skipper, Landman. A lovely inside

board. Landman in support. One more password have done it. Nic Cudd.

Desperate defence from Leinster. In goes Elliott Dee ahead of Brok

Harris. Crosswell brought down on the line

and it has gone forward. They will play on. He waited in a bit of

space, plenty of space to get his second. They are going to review it

in case there was a knock-on. They're

REFEREE: Can you look for a knock-on at the

breakdown please. My initial thought was it came off a

Leinster boot. Let's have a look at this. Tim Hayes is having a look. It

has gone forward but you can't see where that came. It is a fault. It

is a Leinster foot. It is the hooker James Tracy. He has dragged its over

the top. I don't think that has come off Pretorius, that is the Leinster

player. Pretorius touched it there and then

the foot kick it out of his hand. I think that trying should stand. I

agree. The foot from the hooker. It might be Peter Dooley.

It has been knocked on by the scrum. Doesn't agree. He says it is a

knock-on. Well, that is unlucky. I think that

is a big call. I thought it had gone backwards and the foot brought it

forward. A real shame to stop great work from Landman. But that is what

it is all about. Absolutely electric. Great vision from Jason

Tovey. Unlucky for the Dragons. It is very in their key on the

Dragons. He has been struggling. I think he

took a blow work twist. The last thing the Dragons want to do is load

down my lose two of their attacking two in the first 20 minutes.

Free ball. At the front. A bit untidy than the Dragons would have

wanted it. Pretorius was looking for ways

through. There were none. Nice flip out the back door.

Beautifully played. Great hands in these conditions. If he meant that,

that was brilliant. He pulled that one back inside when

he's saw when you're drifting out and it has worked.

I was just going to criticise him. They at the penalty and I heated

when they're my cake. It may well have worked out. Maybe the body

language is too confident. CS McGrath managed to get his hands on

it first. -- we will see if. He has just got that back. I do not

think he had downward pressure. His body lying which did not look

positive as he got up. He is not sure at all. If there is

any reason he cannot award the try... That's for me... I think Luke

McGrath is just... All of the Dragons are back in their own half

and Leinster are lining up. It is brilliant we have this technology to

clear things up as well! In the footballer Wednesday they were

crying out for technology. He just pulled it back towards him.

He has his address on the ball before Adam Warren can get pressure.

Adam Warren his long black slaves on and it looks as if the white arm as

the ball first. -- sleeves. REFEREE: It is inconclusive. Back to

the penalty. It is a good call. A difficult kick

in these conditions. Hopefully we will hear from them in a moment.

Stevie is larking about somewhere as well. Can they get a drive going?

They have the penalty coming. The Dragons have to be patient and keep

the ball. Nobody on the blindside. REFEREE: Advantage played. Harris

has a go. Called back for the offences on the

line. Corner again. REFEREE: Penalty in the line-out so

they choose the line-out. Penalising Molony for taking down Screech in

the Atmos Max. We think until the Dragons have caught the ball. If

you're going to take the man you have to do it just as he hits the

ground. Poor presentation. He will want a word. He is asking Craig

Evans if he can remember the penalty offender. Same again. Because it is

an fence in the line-out they can opt for the line-out again.

Penalised for pulling down on the arm. Both went for the ball.

Dangerous for Leinster. Another of the inside somebody will be going to

the bin. The Dragons, we again with nothing

to show for their efforts. The clearance job completed. By the

young man who is skippering his team for the first time, Luke McGrath.

Let us see what the Dragons Management are making offered.

You said you wanted a reaction. How happy are you? The boys have done

OK. We are very disappointed with the ten points we have given away. A

soft penalty in a scrum. We one the line-up well and we turned the ball

off in our 22 and you cannot do that. Disappointed with that. We are

having a crack despite the conditions which are tougher both

sets of players. You have a bit of pressure. It is important to come

away with points. Two penalties for illegal play. In the third attempt

we have lost it. Very disappointing. Playing in the right area and with

the right amount of pressure. I ensure they will, if we stay up

there. A very even contest. The Dragons making slightly better of it

but Leinster taking their chances. He has kicked the ball out of

Pretorius' hands. REFEREE: You kicked the ball out of

the scrum-half's hands. It is illegal. The yellow Cudd did not

come for the line-out infringing. It came for Dan Leavy taking the ball

out of recovery is' hands. -- Pretorius'. Yes. The ball was out

there. He could not help himself. Maybe he was expecting to pass. The

scrum-half has got it. Probably not a yellow Cudd offence on its own but

the number of times it has happened, the referee felt it was right for

him to go to the bin. Crosswell hanging onto the back

ahead of him that was going forward. Leinster have done well to get back

and stop that. The Dragons have got everybody back apart from one

person. Lose this and they could be in trouble. You could almost throw a

blanket over the whole Dragons team. You would appreciate it in this

weather. Adam Hughes is making his way out there.

Leinster defending one man short. The Dragons need to come away

Leinster defending one man short. something. It is the vote time they

have been down this something. It is the vote time they

line. The change of direction was right but the execution was not.

Pretorius slotted through. Warren looks. Warren does not reach.

I think it was a good option from Pretorius. McFadden does well to get

back. That could be a scrum five to the Dragons. I do not know if Adam

has got a touch on this. Yes. This was definitely on. The past just

falling away. They score their first try. He was outside his man.

McFadden has done really well. Getting behind the goal line. It is

deemed it has come off Adam. Most of the game has

been in the Leinster half but the Dragons do not have the points to

show for it. It is all using uptime that -- Dan

Leavy is off the field. It is eating away at that ten minutes. Fair play,

both sides have been positive and stable. Given the conditions.

REFEREE: Stop talking. Doing good so far.

SWEARING. Apologies for the bad language picked up on the referee's

microphone. Murphy tries to relieve the pressure. That is the experience

of the Irish international. That is not a bad return from

McGrath. Great work from Leinster. Murphy has gone against the wheel. A

good kick from McGrath. The rain is back. You can see it. Once again the

Dragons have promised but failed to deliver.

Ashton Hewitt with the huge struggle luck. If he had scored they would

have had a look at that one. They might well go. Pretorius look --

looks to get away. He frees his hands. Jason Tovey strolls over at

the Dragons have come away with points. He looked as if he had lost

the ball, Ashton Hewitt. From Pretorius. Brilliant from Pretorius

and Ashton Hewitt. But he was going to go all the way. He sucks their

men. He does a double and helps them. -- them in. Good hands from

Stankovich. I do not to know what he is playing tonight, whether he is at

blindside. Good finish from Tovey. Nothing more than they deserve. The

last ten or 15 minutes dominating territory and possession. It was

Jason Tovey's try and his conversion. They have made use of

the extra man. Good hands. Great break. It is called out there, the

wingers have not touched the ball much but when they have they have

looked really lively. Rynard Landman has been very

important for the Dragons. He has featured in all 12 games this year.

He is one of the quickest over ten or 15 metres in the Dragons scored.

He always finds himself out there. Zane Kirchner is not happy it has

gone straight out for some reason. He was inside his own 22 when he

kicked it, so it is a fantastic kick. Zane Kirchner now where he was

but he did not know where my particular was. I think Carl Meyer

has been a good signing for the Dragons as well. Good right boot.

80% of the game in Leinster's half and half of it in the 22. The game

seems to be picking up speed. More possession from Nic Cudd. They

look lively with ball in hand, the Dragons. They are getting those

extra two or three metres particularly in this area. Going for

the drop goal. That is three more points. The important thing is to

come away with points. Jason Tovey supplies three more. The Dragons

look lively with ball in hand. In these conditions to chase the lead

down is so difficult whether you have the lead or not. Great decision

from Tovey. A real blow for Leinster to concede three more.

Half a minute until the sin-bin is over for Dan Leavy. They have to

protect themselves. Tail as the ball stripped from his

hands by Adam Hughes. Checking whether he was moved forward. The

crowd and a lot of the Dragons players thought so. Still in

Leinster's grasp. Nicely done. Nic Cudd stands firm in the tackle.

Leinster looking to get back on terms. Good work by Harris winning a

penalty. He was the only dragon in a mass of white shirts. Using his

skills to put Landman away. At a tease stage. If Leinster get any

points going into half-time they will be happy with that. Dan Leavy

has had to sit and watch his team go from being ahead to trailing by

17-10 with half-time looming. Waiting for Hewitt that time. Dan

Leavy trying to make up for lost time and lost points. They should

have used you it as a decoy. -- Ashton Hewitt. Good timing. Very

solid. Quite lucky, the Dragons, to win this back. He has driven across

the ball and stolen it in one go. He has scored eight tries for Leinster

in the cup this season. He has not had many outings in the full

line-up. Difficult when you have Sean O'Brien. And Tony Murphy in

front of you. All of those boys will be away. It has been a really

entertaining first half. Conditions are awful. Both teams have tried to

play. The players must be enjoying themselves. They are in no rush to

get off the field. Interesting whether the Dragons go for more

points or go in with a 7-point lead. I would have a go. Pretorius in the

AM says that will do as nicely. Turning round a deficit into a lead.

The rest of the points supplied by Jason Tovey. Adam Warren and Ashton

Hewitt came close. The Dragons well worth the lead. The captain is with

our reporter. Conditions are not going to get any

better. We are playing in the right areas. We are in the lead and have

to play in the right areas in the second half and hopefully we will

get the pressure and the points. Have a good orange. Here is a

recapped. Filthy weather. Ashton Hewitt with a

great start for the Dragons, going over for an early try on three

minutes. McGrath crossing back for Leinster. A couple of disallowed

tries for the Dragons. The knock-on meant that did not stand. Dan Leavy

was off the pitch and the Dragons scored ten points. A penalty in the

second half. -- if he gets a penalty in the second half they will have a

full house. The Dragons dominating the territorial battle. Leinster

being made to make more tackles and have missed more.

In every statistic the Dragons have dominated. They have potentially

left 14-21 points out that. Will they be happy? That is what will

have been talked about before the game, horrible conditions, you want

to be playing rugby, dominating possession and territory. There will

be frustration. They have played rugby in the right areas and had

three Tansey 's disallowed. They could have been... This game could

have been dead and buried. Poor defensive error. Those things have

given Leinster hope. If the Dragons could cut out those errors they will

be fine. They will be delighted with the start. Great start. Great game.

No shortage of skill in atrocious conditions. It showed a well coached

approach. In this area in these conditions you tried to play for a

picked and goal. The outside clean is very important. Lens do have to

fold because they go the same way. Tovey and Hewitt are highlighted

because it is on his core when they the other way. It is bent. It was

highlighted against Hewitt. Adam Warren helps that because there is a

disconnect between McFadden and bent which allows him time to squeeze in.

Leinster despite inexperience fought back and Luke McGrath showed a clean

pair of heels to the Dragons defence but it was a Dragons defensive lapse

that allowed him a clear run to the line. Both nines are scooting around

in difficult conditions around the rock. It is from a turnover. You get

a bit of disorganisation. Landman comes out. He is late getting back

in. In the system they defend Landman is supposed to jam in on the

nine. He has to hold his ground but Landman has to jam in. He is too

late. He should be there to make the contingency tackle. Later when he

sneaks again he does the right thing, he jams in and he's not out

that attack. That was one of the rare forays Leinster have had into

the Dragons 22. Intense pressure from the Dragons. Nearly scored once

and denied. The right decisions? The first knock-on we see here, I

think it is the right call. I think it comes off Pretorius last but that

is my opinion. When we are having to watch it six times and we are still

undecided, you can't help but feel we should go with the attacking

team. I applaud the Dragons by not playing. This is more of a clear-cut

one. Very unlucky on the bounce. That has come off a Leinster hand.

Even if the Dragons grounded, it would have been knock-on. Both

times, the TMO liberated a long time. You applaud good positive

play. There is another incident as well with the Dragons having failed

to capitalise on having some real concerted pressure, five metres out

of Leinster's line. The referee has warned them, given two penalties and

Dragons fell into the same trap. They prospect. That was great

defensive play by Leinster. Sean Holley, you have been looking at the

Leinster defensive line tonight. The line-out will be important, Leo

Cullen is widely and he would have known that. On A+ line, Telegraph

thing is a dry. Hit his arm which is illegal but not picked up on this

case and they turn it over. " Again. He planes the arm in the egg, this

is illegal. He warns Leinster but then the pressure is on Eliot. It is

and are thrilled and they turn it over. As I said, when they do get

the line-out right the label and the Lyn Jones and Kingsley Jones to book

their poison. -- put under pressure. Two props, a second row and it is a

walkover for Jason Tovey. They got their just rewards in the end.

Ashton Hewitt is having a storm. We were talking about Hallam Amos at

the top of the programme but it is the other winger who has been

highlighting his talents. The Dragons are really playing despite

the conditions. Here is a taste of what else is coming your way on BBC

television this weekend. Sport Wales 's next BBC Two Wales

when we will be taking the temperature ahead of the Six

Nations. Everyone tells me about the Passion of it. It has been hyped up

to the press. This is Sam Warburton's fifth visit here. We

will have a slight advantage going into the Six Nations. The Ospreys

had their wings clipped in Europe last weekend and it is about the

pros well for them now as they look to climb the table. They face

Glasgow on Sunday. Then later that evening we have the Scrum V Six

Nations special. We look forward to your's best tournament. We will

assess the prospects of Six Nations and find out what makes Shaun

Edwards angry. The only time I will shout at a player is if they didn't

give 100%. Shaun Edwards deaths there is

terrifying! I won't ask you about that or it will bring back some bad

memories. I was at the laws of the Six Nations on Wednesday. Joe

Schmidt said Wales were favourites, Eddie Jones said Wales are the

favourites. Warren Gatland said Ireland are the favourites. It is

just great isn't it? I think Wales are favourites, they are capable of

winning the Six Nations. But there are five other teams there. All the

ingredients are there for wonderful Six Nations. We have coaches vying

for the Lions places, we have got a Jones in charge of England. Joe

Schmidt is in Ireland. All bets are off. We're going to have a cracker.

You have got me excited now. Let's go over to Martyn Williams. We

talked about some of the coaches, France and England have got new man

at the helm. Wales, the same coaching setup for eight years with

no changes in personnel whatsoever. Very consistent in terms of

personnel and playing squad. Does that give them an advantage? I think

so. It gives them Mahut advantage. Warren Gatland and his managing

teams since 2008 have a winning record of 75%. They have got a group

of players who have been there done that. There is no disharmony in the

camp. They are in a great place. The World Cup, we've is dated they

didn't get to the semifinals but not the dust has settled it was a

fantastic effort. They are in a really good place. A couple of

injuries. Scott Williams, Leigh Halfpenny, Rhys Webb. But when you

look at Gareth Davies, Jonathan Davies is back. Liam Williams is

back. He is playing this weekend. Wales and in a good place going into

the Six Nations. They benefit from the extended season of clap. Are you

nice and warm in the studio, Brian! -- they would have worked really

hard over the last six or seven days. They don't play until weeks

and they is a long wait. They went to Ireland pre-World Cup and

outmuscled island in that match. I expect them to do the same. Ireland

are really hits with injuries. If they get a win out in Dublin, he got

three home games. A couple of unknown quantities with England and

France and new coaches. I can't look any further than Wales at the

moment. Excellent stuff. We can go pitch side now, Phil Steele is

talking to Stuart Davies. The man who scored on his debut in Dublin in

1972. You have sent money will be available for signings for the

coaches, can you give me any indication when that might be' many

is available. Lyn Jones knows what he is working with. He has secured

some places -- players. How important is it you wearing that

semifinal, quarterfinal of the Challenge Cup to keep the season

boiling for you? The Challenge Cup has been good for us. We have

enjoyed the competition this year. It is a good focus for us. That

competition is Goodfellas. We are enjoying it. It is also important

that we back it up with performances like we had in the first half the

night. Dragons to win? I hope so. Let's go back to our commentary

team. You got a glimpse of the experience

Leinster have brought on. Ian Madigan and Richardt Strauss. One or

two clean shirts as well. One of them is being worn by Jordi Murphy.

That looks like a knock-on to me then. That looked like a knock-on.

Swapped over from the other side, the touch judge. It is a strong

looking bench. Hoping they are a little bit cold, little bit stiff.

Adam Byrne making his full debut. The only other game was as

replacement against Connacht three years ago. Having a quiet evening

and that right-wing. Madigan, a lovely little kick. Beautifully

weighted by Ian Madigan. He saw Jason Tovey in the first task doing

something similar and that is a belter.

That is what Madigan brings, he is a great footballer, great vision. He

is the huge talent. He has got all the tricks.

Great hands by Peter Dooley to keep the ball for Leinster. Maloney and

pressure. Madigan. This is where all the action has

spent. Anybody down the far hand will have a stiff neck by the end of

the evening. This is where the Dragons were attacking in the first

half and Leinster have started in the same vein in the second.

So far, the Dragons defence has been good.

The Dragons had to work hard for their points in the first half and

Leinster having to do the same at the beginning of the second.

Nic Cudd looking for the turnover, he has had so many this season. Not

this time. A good tackle by Adam Warren.

Plenty of ball, Leinster. Not really going anywhere. Dragons failing to

get any pressure on the ball. 24 phases, incredible. Good disciplined

by the Dragons. Te'o breaking the tackle, he is a

handful. 16 and a half stone of him. They are still on or around the 22.

The Dragons are happy if they stay there. But they do concede.

One or two things would have happened. One of the Dragons was

going to win the ball, when the penalty. Or they were going to give

away the penalty. Fantastic organisation by the Dragons. Great

reorganisation. We will have another look at that one.

After five minutes, pretty met with ball in their hands, 27 favours by

the end -- seizes by the end, the result is a shot at goal for

McFadden. Chipset over. The first points go to

Leinster. That is how they want to work it in the seminar. This is what

Madigan brings you. Sometimes you just need to the division and that

is what Leinster do so well. Get them on the front foot. It led to

that 24 phases and the 3-point. Just speaking to Kingsley Jones, the wind

changes direction a lot. They chose to go against it in the first half.

With it, sorry, in the first hour. He was hoping it might change.

That is very judged kick. He is a very good kicker of the ball. That

was placed. A real opportunity now for the Dragons to put pressure on

Leinster. A great kick by Carl Meyer. Just gives you the

opportunity... They can force Leinster to throw to

the back. Hallam Amos had that first

blistering run in the first half. Richardt Strauss driven offered by

his team-mate. Lovely work by Pretorius and good hands by Jason

Tovey. He belted that at Madigan. I think he was in shock when he saw

that coming at him. That is one area of the pitch... It

is getting boggy and Bob year. -- boggier. It is a night for cough

free rather than pints. All Pina coladas if you are Jonathan Davies

because he is in Barbados! And I am sure he is thinking of us as well!

He's thinking of us and laughing. It is really picked up again. Clever

play from the Dragons. Mayer judges it and not quite sure

what that was meant to be. The blind pass wasn't needed by Kirchner, he

had two men outside him. That is the half chance for Leinster. Luckily,

we were waxing lyrical about Carl Meyer's kicking. Jason Tovey is

covering. I don't know what Brok Harris would've done. A little let

off for the Dragons. Elliott Leavey and Byrne there. I'm sure Brok

Harris would have said it did debrief to get them. In conditions

like this, those little nudges, put it long put it in the air.

Not exactly a game of two halves. It is a game of one half as we're

looking at it. That is a steal. Good turnover by

Leinster. It is one of those occasions, Hallam Amos has done well

to beat the first man that he has lost his support players. That is

unlucky for Hallam Amos. I hope they got a replacement ball

handy because that one has gone way over the stand.

After a long period of defending early, the Dragons can only concede

a penalty to stop what is in store this time around? This is where the

centre of Leinster's attack is based.

It is going through a lot of hard work. A clever kick by Madigan

almost and it is a kick for nothing because advantage was being played.

Initially, the Dragons did well to stop the driving. Matthew Screech

competed in the air they didn't overcommit. He waited until the men

came down. Elliott Dee little bit enthusiastic. Marius Mitrea has

penalised him for coming in the side. Look at those boots. You have

got to be good to wear them. 25 caps worth. I think he's a real

class player. A good drive on. They have split up

the Dragons. Right up to the try line.

It is a matter of inches now for Leinster. Can the Dragons get bodies

underneath the ball? Here comes the next surge. This one

looks better. Maloney. No, he is held up. The Dragons have managed to

keep them at bay, just. So difficult. You have to go for the

ball when they are carrying. Couple of injuries in the meantime.

They need every single man they can. Jason Tovey is the one who has

stayed down. So, let's see what happened to Jason

Tovey. Brave Jason Tovey against the six

foot six, 16 and a half stone second row. That is the time when, the low

physics really, knocking a man that big back, he must of had a knock to

the head or neck. He looks a bit dazed. Blood in the nose. Jason

Tovey struggling. Phil Steele has company. Newport Rugby club and went

Dragons legend here, Jason Forster. You've got the lanyard of staff

around your neck. On match days and a gold round of the hospitality

boxes with some of the layers who aren't involved and meet some of the

sponsors which is part and parcel of today's rugby. Playing at all

yourself? I put my boots are now and again fatality things. On occasion,

not too much. Especially in conditions like this. I can pick and

choose. The Dragons to hang on here? The looking for a response after

last week's performance will stop they have had two tries disallowed

but they add up. Great to hear from you on Scrum V. A big favourite down

here. He was a nightmare to play against! I have had a couple of

battles with him over the years. A great player.

This is real pressure now from Leinster. Ben Te'o. They have

dropped it. Here come the Dragons. All they needed was the speed on the

outside but it wouldn't come. In the end, McFadden found the kick.

Difficult to deal with. Excellent work by Adam Lyth.

Kirchner is covering. A great pass. Great play from McFadden. He came

over from the left wing to help his full-back. Dan Leavy to Madigan but

there is a whole can't be far wing. No way is he going to get anywhere

near that one. All Leinster are hammering at the

line. Great turnover from Nic Cudd. Sometimes you get penalised for this

if there is a ruck above you which Leinster will say bidders. He has

got away with one there. Great technique. He knows is a lot smaller

so he goes low. He's got away with that one.

They can't get out of the 22. Nic Cudd wins the ball. Jason Tovey, he

put a little check-in again and it comes to nothing. They give the ball

back to Leinster, really. Struggling to get out of their half but still

in the lead. Their defence has been pretty solid, good discipline as

well. Benjamin comes on to replace Nick

Crosswell. There's another one who is on a conveyor belt of opensides.

Fantastic for Wales Under-20s. The real dynamic player, James Benjamin.

Elliott Dee, Ashton Hewitt, they are all former Under-20s in pretty much

the same team. Just finding their way through to first-team rugby.

REFEREE: everyone is doing what they want. Let's restart. Everybody?

Let's work everybody. Time on. It has since been the most

successful times in recent times for the Dragons. They have got some real

good youngsters. Financially, can't compete with the big teams but

they've got some real young talent. It is hammering down now. It hasn't

stopped all game, the rain. But now it is really checking it down.

I was going to say there is nobody out on the open terraces but I am

wrong. There are brave few behind the Dragons posts. I would use

another word apart from brave! You've got cover all around and you

are in the open in the pouring rain. Madigan. A great tackle by Adam

Hughes. The two props in the thick of it.

Leinster making a game of it at the moment. Into the final quarter. It

is a one's scored game. Leinster have been holding all the aces in

the second half. Dragons now they are going to have long periods of

defending. Good option. Leave in a bit of

space. -- V. Tired bodies for the Dragons. McGrath uses forwards first

up, Dominic Ryan. Only conceded three last time. This

is looking ever more dangerous. Te'o stands his ground.

It is the Dragons' turned to have the possession -- to let Leinster

have the possession and concentrate on the defending. Strauss is almost

over the try line. He does not have the ball down yet. There it is.

McGrath leaves it to delay. Heavy artillery first from Leinster. Dan

Leavy weights, does not get that far. Cannot get his hand on it.

McFadden drops off. The forwards not releasing at any time soon. Penalty

advantage being played. Knocked on. It will come back for the penalty.

Relief for the Dragons' fans will turn to disappointment.

REFEREE: Offside. Great effort by both teams. Going through so many

phases. The Dragons will not read any defence work for the next few

weeks. Just when you think there is a gap, suddenly they will scramble

across. Dragons look as if they are tiring a bit. Leinster have 84%

possession in the second half. To ask the Dragons to keep it going is

asking a lot. They have to try to steal less ball. Though somebody up.

They do not. They tried to find the drive. They have not managed to do

so. That is brilliant billions from the

Dragons. Absolutely brilliant from the Dragons. That could be the game

changer. I thought they should gamble and put somebody up to steal

the ball. Working so hard in defence. That was great work. They

sacked the drive earlier, in fairness. Against Benjamin who has

come off the bench. He is in there. Brilliant from Leinster. Giving you

such a lift. A simple change by Leinster. Jeremy Loughman comes on

to make his debut. Tadhg Beirne in his fourth game is the replacement.

On the other side, 174 games between Ulster and Leinster. One scrum-half

replaces the other and takes over the captaincy.

That is a great run by Benjamin. Excellent defence from the Dragons.

Perfect exit strategy. Brilliant. Benjamin exposed. That is down to

the Dragons and how solid the scrum was and allows it to get off the

back and a great kick from Tovey. A huge passage of play. For Leinster

to have all of that ball and that territory and not to come away with

any points, that could be a huge momentum swing for the Dragons. Te'o

very dangerous. It is going to be a Dragons scrum.

He has called that early for me. That seemed to be going forward. It

is all the Dragons could do. Throw bodies at balls and tackles. Work

themselves into the ground. He has had the massive game. He is going

off. Going back for the visit of the top of the table team.

They will be coming down in their hordes. The Six Nations on Sunday,

play in Wales. Good luck to the lads. -- playing England.

Interesting call. How often do you see when EA team have all of the

possession and do not get over the line, decisions start to go their

way, and this is going to be a huge kick for Jason Tovey. He does not

have to be too the day. Make sure you get it off the park. Yes. Great

cake. -- kick. Sport Wales will be amongst other

things looking forward to the Six Nations on Sunday from the Liberty

Stadium. Would you believe it? The Dragons

after some great defending have found their way possibly within

kicking range even on a filthy night like this. Yes. Amazing sometimes.

Two penalties, a 50-50 decision, get down there. Leinster overeager. A

great carry from Pretorius to get on the front foot. He is so effective

over that ball. It is just the fine margins. The effort the Dragons

pretend in their own 22 and defence, this is a huge kick.

Jason Tovey wastes no time and delivers for the Dragons. That is 15

for him. Importantly it gives them a little bit of breathing space going

into the final ten minutes. Leinster making a change.

Noel Reid coming on the wing and Peadar Timmins. Another debutant. In

the front row. Just Oisin Heffernan who has not

come on. Make them chase the game. Conditions are getting worse by the

minute. Slippery conditions. It is amazing. They have been down just

20% of the time. The scoreline for that period is pre-0. You have to

take your chances. Get up into the Leinster backline's race and put

them under pressure. That helps as well. Sloppy delivery. Trying to get

them on the front foot. Madigan looking for a position. Hewitt needs

to return. Just about got that one back in

time. The ball presented back to Leinster. As they lose it it will

have to go for a scrum. It is going to be that in the last ten minutes,

sloppy and scrappy. The crowd are not happy.

REFEREE: Body language text. OK. Thank you. We are checking.

There is no harm at all. You cannot do that. Slow motion. There is no

arm movement. I think that is a penalty.

REFEREE: Did he use his arm? There is no arm, leading with the

shoulder. There is no arm, leading with the shoulder.

REFEREE: His arm is right back and it is shoulder first. It is so

difficult for the players. You cannot grab around the neck to

remove the player nowadays. You cannot fly in like that. He is

running. He is flying. You cannot do that nowadays. He has taken him off

his feet as well. REFEREE: On the back, but reckless.

Yellow card. 11 white. Fergus McFadden does not have far to go. He

is asking how he is supposed to clean him out, but you cannot just

fly in with your shoulder like that. Mind you, a few thousand are not

happy. They are not happy with the yellow. He does not want to be in

that position anyway. McFadden has gone in early, Keane. I think it is

a penalty but I would not see a yellow card. Can the Dragons see at

home against 14 man Leinster over the final eight minutes?

Charlie Davies has taken over from Pretorius after that. Cory Hill is a

last minute replacement when Lewis tweaked a calf in the warm up, but

he has shown up well. They do not need any heroics, the Dragons, just

do the basics well. Charlie Davies will bring in Jason

Tovey. Making the hard yards. Your basic error that gives an

opportunity for Leinster. Good from Elliott D. I nearly said

the wrong name. Just killing a bit of time. He has pretty bit of weight

on! REFEREE: Time is up anyway. The

majority of those 135 tackles have been in the second half. A gutsy

effort from the Dragons in the second half. It has not been high on

quality. In these conditions it has been all hands to the pump and

Leinster have thrown everything at them.

Ashton Hewitt, that try very early on. It seems ages ago. He has had

the quieter second half but showed up in the first hour. A bit of

juggling. -- first half. He is a talented young man. 21 in November.

He missed the first game of the season and started the last ten. It

helps build confidence when you get a run of games. Yes. He is very raw.

You can see that in his possession sometimes. He has that one thing

which we all crave, sheer speed. That is a key penalty that could be.

Leinster with the chance to go down field and launch another attack.

There is plenty of time. It is easy to see, but the front row need to be

clean. 60 metres out in these conditions, let Leinster have the

ball and let them try and do something. No need to play fun and

games upfront. Keep it solid. And square. Not the longest kick in the

world from Ian Madigan but it gives Leinster a tall old in the Dragons'

half. Murphy does well. Peadar Timmins. Good tackle. The

ball did not go forward, crucially. Noel Reid and midfield. Garry

Ringrose is on the wing. Less than five minutes. Ryan almost up to the

Dragons' 22. Lot of hard work to be done. They have done 76 minutes.

This is the time for the crucial defending to hold out again. That

might just have been aired. REFEREE: No advantage. Dominic Ryan

was looking to latch. Looking for the off-load. Great defence from the

Dragons. A few players stretching their calves, hands or knees. Fully

understandable, the effort they have put into it, particularly

defensively. Cory Hill is struggling at the last

scrum. Scott Andrews is ready to come on. Cory Hill has put in a good

shift. He is wearing eight but he is playing in the second row.

He needs to get clued up, no mistakes, no penalties in the final

three minutes, Scott Andrews. Distance is what Jason Tovey was

looking for. Spotted him coming across. Brilliant following up. That

is such a good effort. The pitch is heavy as it has been all season. The

wind and rain and they have gotten downfield to put a tackle in. Still

they do not give up. They deserve to win. Yes. A brilliant gig from

Tovey. The cheese was phenomenal. They have been unsung heroes, Adam

Hughes... The two centres have defended for their lives. Adam is

leading the chase. Great defence. Cudd was diving on the ball. Copying

of that effort, Man of the Match? It has been a difficult one. I think

Brok Harris, 12-mac he was involved in, the handling movement, but for

me that man the first half had that in these conditions, for a winger it

is so difficult in these conditions. The ball has not really gone to his

side. That is the Man of the Match. Tops it off with that tackle,

assist, with Adam Hughes, right at the end of the game. Apologies to

the forwards forgiving the Man of the Match to the winger.

That kick by Jason Tovey so important. That 7-point gap. It

means a converted try would only give Leinster a draw. Dragons are

not thinking about conceding anything at the moment but the scrum

comes out. They have won that penalty. Here is the chance to seal

the deal. It is a dagger to Leinster's heart.

At least Leinster have a losing bonus at the moment. Take the full

minute. He is telling him there is 30 seconds of play after it.

Jason Tovey eyes up the posts and again puts the ball between them.

That is a hammer blow for Leinster. It caps off a great performance by

the Dragons and after all their efforts Leinster look of the they

are going to come away empty-handed. What a great effort from the

Dragons. Outstanding for the Dragons. You feel for Leinster....

If they are going back to Dublin empty-handed. Seven victories in a

row for Leinster. The Dragons have put a stop to that. In the wind and

the rain and atrocious conditions, after a mauling in Europe last week

the Dragons have stood up and being counted in the Pro12 this week. That

is a tremendous performance and they deserve the applause of the fans who

have braved the elements. That is an excellent victory for the Dragons.

Two tries in the first half and dogged defence under pressure in the

second and coming away with a couple of visual kicks and four points for

a victory as well. Victory for the Dragons and Leinster's winning run

comes to a halt. Tries early on from Jason Tovey and Ashton Hewitt. The

Dragons win 22-13. You can see by the way you working

gradually teenage other what it meant to the team. Massive. We

needed confidence coming back into the league. Our run in the Challenge

Cup has been really good. We have been down all week. We played in the

right areas. Outstanding defence from the boys in the second half.

Really good. For a winger to win Man of the Match in these conditions or

something. More than I expected from maybe warming up. It is good to get

involved. We kept our game despite the distance. Really happy. Think

that allegiance. Enjoy the celebrations. -- congratulations.

A richly deserved Man of the Match award. For Ashton Hewitt. Scarlets

are way to Connacht tomorrow and a victory could take them more than

one victory ahead of Leinster in those precious few weeks jostling

for the top four. Throughout the half the Dragons leading the charge

on many of those statistics. The territorial balance was slightly

more equal in the second half than the first. The only important

statistic is the scoreboard. The Dragons can be pleased with their

effort. They should be. Leinster played a narrow attacking

game. We talked about how the Dragons were willing to play rugby

in the second half. It was all about the commitment and doggedness in

defence. The Man of the Match rips the ball

on the line four metres out. From what was possibly going to be the

moment, James Benjamin had come on. Causing destruction, taking into

ground for the crucial turnover. Fantastic by the Dragons tonight. We

haven't got much time left. Give as a brief summary of how the Dragons

will feel for the rest of the season. They are out of the

reckoning of the top six. What will that victory do to boost their

spirits? It is huge to them for the rest of the season. You don't become

a bad team. They have had a thumping in Europe but they have come home

tonight and when comfortable in tough conditions. They will take a

lot of contest confidence from that. All the fixtures are coming at home.

It is a big opportunity for them. Then turf fixtures for the Dragons

bet they will be well up for it after the victory tonight. We have

taken revenge in handsome fashion tonight against Leinster which has

been a rain-soaked Rodney Parade. That is all we have time for. Sports

Wales is next. They will be previewing the Six Nations and it is

our turn on Sunday. It is the Scrum V scrum Six Nations special on

Sunday night. At seven o'clock.