Ospreys have returned to Wales after two defeats in South Africa while the Dragons have made a solid start to their campaing with a win and draw. We are backing the hosts to take this one and retain momentum.
Key Stats - Dragons Solid Start
- Dragons have won 2 of their last 5 home games.
- Dragons have won 3 of their last 4 home matches against the Ospreys.
- Ospreys have lost 8 consecutive away fixtures.
Ospreys Lead
Ospreys hold a 24-13 lead with one draw in 38 matches against the Dragons.
Dragons Draw and Win to Start Season
The Dragons scored two tries and a conversion in the first half against the Scarlets, going into the break trailing by two points.
However, the team based in Newport produced a solid second half of rugby, scoring four tries and three conversions to beat the Scarlets 38-26 at home.
At the start of their new URC campaign, the Welsh side drew 19-19 with Benetton away from home.
Dragons RFC are sixth in the United Rugby Championship table with seven points from two games.
The Dragons have an opportunity to pick up some more points in their clash against Ospreys, as they have done well against their opponents in recent matches at home, winning three of their last four meetings.
Ospreys Poor Start on the Road
The Ospreys scored two tries and a conversion in the first half against the Lions last weekend to lead 12-10 at half-time in Johannesburg.
However, Y Gweilch could only add a converted try to their total in the second half, losing 35-19 away from home.
Before that result, the team from Swansea lost to the Sharks 41-24 in their URC season opener away from home.
The Ospreys are 15th in the United Rugby Championship standings with one point from two matches.
The Ospreys will be disappointed with the start to their season, suffering back-to-back defeats to extend their losing streak to eight on the road.
Team News & Quotes
Dragons
Head Coach Filo Tiatia has stated that he expects a tough match against the Ospreys: “Ospreys have finished their short tour to Africa, and we've watched their games closely. One thing is evident: they scrap and they fight.
“It will be no different this Friday night. We're looking forward to hosting them.
“Our guys love playing in front of the fans at Rodney Parade and we’re excited to get back out there on Friday.”
Ospreys
Keiran Williams, Efan Daniel, and Ross Moriarty each crossed the try line against the Lions last weekend.
Dan Edwards kicked over two conversions in the match.