Dragons Stave Off Elimination as They Edge Past Newcastle in Thrilling Challenge Cup Victory
Filo Tiatia's Dragons have set up a thrilling last 16 showdown with Perpignan or Lions, thanks to a bonus-point win over Newcastle Red Bulls at Rodney Parade. The Welsh side came from behind to secure a 35-12 victory, moving them within touching distance of an away tie in the knockout stages.
Dragons finally broke through the Newcastle defense on the half-hour mark, exploiting a mistake by scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz to put winger Rio Dyer over with a well-timed inside pass. Angus O'Brien converted the try to give Dragons a 7-0 lead. However, the Red Bulls responded with a quickfire double from wing Christian Wade and fly-half Benitez Cruz to take a 12-7 advantage at halftime.
Dragons regained control in the second half, thanks largely to a well-executed driving line-out that ultimately led to tries by Brodie Coghlan and Dyer. The latter's impressive strike play put Dragons in command, but Newcastle threatened to level the scores when lock Jamie Hodgson was yellow-carded for a tackle on centre Aneurin Owen.
However, Dragons took advantage of the reprieve when prop Tom Gordon was also sent to the sin-bin after illegally stopping a drive. Referee Christopher Allison awarded a penalty try, which O'Brien converted to give his side a 28-12 lead. The Dragons continued to press for a fifth try and were rewarded with a late score from wing David Richards, who gathered an O'Brien cross-kick and finished strongly.
The win has kept Dragons' Challenge Cup hopes alive, and they will qualify for the knockout stages as long as Perpignan and Lions do not draw in France on Saturday. The stakes are high, but Tiatia's men showed their mettle against a tough Newcastle side to keep their dreams of a Champions Cup victory alive.
Filo Tiatia's Dragons have set up a thrilling last 16 showdown with Perpignan or Lions, thanks to a bonus-point win over Newcastle Red Bulls at Rodney Parade. The Welsh side came from behind to secure a 35-12 victory, moving them within touching distance of an away tie in the knockout stages.
Dragons finally broke through the Newcastle defense on the half-hour mark, exploiting a mistake by scrum-half Simon Benitez Cruz to put winger Rio Dyer over with a well-timed inside pass. Angus O'Brien converted the try to give Dragons a 7-0 lead. However, the Red Bulls responded with a quickfire double from wing Christian Wade and fly-half Benitez Cruz to take a 12-7 advantage at halftime.
Dragons regained control in the second half, thanks largely to a well-executed driving line-out that ultimately led to tries by Brodie Coghlan and Dyer. The latter's impressive strike play put Dragons in command, but Newcastle threatened to level the scores when lock Jamie Hodgson was yellow-carded for a tackle on centre Aneurin Owen.
However, Dragons took advantage of the reprieve when prop Tom Gordon was also sent to the sin-bin after illegally stopping a drive. Referee Christopher Allison awarded a penalty try, which O'Brien converted to give his side a 28-12 lead. The Dragons continued to press for a fifth try and were rewarded with a late score from wing David Richards, who gathered an O'Brien cross-kick and finished strongly.
The win has kept Dragons' Challenge Cup hopes alive, and they will qualify for the knockout stages as long as Perpignan and Lions do not draw in France on Saturday. The stakes are high, but Tiatia's men showed their mettle against a tough Newcastle side to keep their dreams of a Champions Cup victory alive.
i mean dragons totally outplayed newcastle, the driving lineout was pure genius 
and filo tiatia's tactics were spot on 
can't believe they only needed a bonus point to take care of it 
now they're set up nicely for the last 16 draw against perpignan or lions 
gotta keep an eye on that one 
and that penalty try from angus o'brien was a game-changer 
. now we just gotta hope perpignan doesn't beat the lions in france this weekend or we're toast 
They totally deserved that win over Newcastle! Filo Tiatia's team has been on fire lately and it's amazing to see them coming from behind to take the lead. Rio Dyer is literally on fire with his tries and Angus O'Brien's conversions are clutch! 
The driving line-out was a masterclass and I'm loving how they're taking it one game at a time to keep their Champions Cup hopes alive. Bring on Perpignan or Lions, can't wait for the next match! 
! Come on Filo, you're a genius coach! 
. Brodie Coghlan's try was insane 
! We need to keep this momentum going and make it to the Champions Cup finals 
. Now, on to the next match – bring it on! 
They really proved themselves here and now we're one step closer to that Champions Cup dream 
. And that penalty try? Game-changer! The pressure's on now for the last 16 showdown with Perpignan or Lions... will they be able to keep their momentum going? 
Clumsy Reds! Tiatia's Dragons deserve all the credit for this stunning victory 
Can't wait to see what happens next vs Perpignan or Lions! Either way, it's gonna be a thriller! 
remember those days? anyway, tiatia's men played some seriously solid rugby out there and its clear they've got the talent to take on anyone 
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and rio dyer's try was pure magic 
can't wait for the next match, especially if they make it to perpignan or lions 
and that penalty try from Angus O'Brien was the icing on the cake 
i'm so hyped for them now, fingers crossed they can make it to the knockout stages! 
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