Dwayne Peel spoke to the media ahead of Saturday’s BKT United Rugby Championship round two clash with Cardiff.
Here’s what he had to say . . .
Was that a good draw for you in Treviso? How do you reflect on the match?
DP: “Is there ever a good draw? Being ahead with a couple of minutes to go, it was bitterly disappointing to be denied at the end. We have reviewed areas where we need to improve, we showed flight and good connection to come back and force our way ahead and we feel there is enough to build on going into this week. We have spoken about building our performance. Pre-season is always a bit mix and match so the first game is a good one to see where you are. We know we have to improve our performance week on week to build momentum.”
A word on Gareth Davies, who makes his 250th appearance on Saturday
DP: “You just have to look at his performance last weekend, I thought he was excellent, his kicks were on the money, he put us in the right areas, that break in the second half, his chase back when we turned the ball over, he is a real competitor and that competitiveness is his key characteristic. He has scored great tries for Scarlets and Wales, but it is his ultra-competitiveness in games and training that stands him out above other guys. To reach 250 appearances is a huge achievement, I think he is only our third player in the regional area to reach the milestone after Phil John and Ken.”
Does he still have plenty to offer Wales?
DP: “ Look, class is permanent, it is not my decision, all I know is that he won’t give up on that and will keep working hard. I just want to see him enjoying his rugby and being competitive and when he does that he is a very good player. He is a joy to work with, he’s been great since I’ve been back here. He deserves every accolade because he has been a great servant to this club.”
Set piece and defence looked much improved against Benetton, that must have pleased you?
DP: “It is always a work in progress; we have put a lot of work into those areas. It doesn’t happen overnight, it is about mentality and there has been a good buy-in from players. We have to keep striving to improve and working hard. We are by no means the finished article in any part of our game.”
What did you think about Macs Page’s performance?
DP: “He had some big moments, that line-break, that try and he worked hard in defence. He has real promise for the future and there are also continuous work-ons for him. He is going to make errors, but I like his intent. He is going to get better and better.”
What do you see as Cardiff’s threats?
DP: “We have always had close battles with Cardiff. They will be buoyed from that win against Zebre last weekend so it is important we are on our mettle. Callum Sheedy gives them a different option from 10; Aled (Davies) coming in at nine has a good kicking game and they have always been dangerous on the floor, it is their DNA to contest ball on the floor with players like Thomas Young, Ellis Jenkins and now Dan Thomas. It goes without saying, we need to be accurate at the breakdown. It is a big game for us and we need to impose ourselves on the game.”
How important is this run of home fixtures in this opening block?
DP: “We want to make this a difficult place for teams to come. We are here to compete and compete hard. It is a great place to play, a great track, great stadium and getting the fans behind us is important for momentum. We are coming off the back of a very physical game, we need to be mentally and physically ready and hopefully we can have a good result here.”