Dragons aim to keep flying Wales flag in Europe

Dragons will be flying the flag for Wales when they travel to Italy to play Zebre in the European Challenge Cup quarter-final on Saturday (20:00 BST).

The Gwent side are the only Welsh region left in either of Europe's two tournaments and will aim for a first Challenge Cup semi-final in 10 years.

Their bid comes among uncertainty in the domestic game with the Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) planning to cut a professional side.

Since the memorable 36-31 quarter-final away win against Stade Francais in Paris, Tiatia says he has had messages of congratulations from Wales' national team coaches and other regional bosses.

"I know we are at the moment with the governing body still trying to figure out a couple of things," said Tiatia.

"It's pleasing to get messages from Steve Tandy, Jockey (Matt Sherratt) and Danny [Wilson], so they're pleased around all four regions trying to be better in competitions.

"We have had messages from the other coaches from the regions, so we're well connected and that's what we need.

"We need to ensure we're competing against each other, but we're all heading in the same direction and trying to improve our identity and brands."

Dragons have improved steadily under Tiatia after opening the European campaign with a 41-17 away defeat against Perpignan in December.

"If we go back to where we started, to where we are now, we're miles ahead," said Tiatia.

"We're a different team and working on the things that are important for us but also the people of Gwent, who we represent.

"The performances we try and put together is one they're proud of and will latch onto, so that people that don't know anything around Gwent or the game itself, they can still get fascinated about.

"They can see these guys scrap for each other and that's what galvanises and attracts people. It sounds simple but it's very meaningful for this group.

"We are proud of the performance last weekend and have now got the opportunity to impose ourselves again. We're lucky to have another chance."

Dragons and Zebre are the current bottom two in the United Rugby Championship (URC) with the Italian team propping up the table and both sides only having two league wins each in 14 games.

"The players are focused on going to Parma and have a scrap," said Tiatia.

"They're a good side, especially at home. I played in Italy and understand how they think, but also when you go up against the challenge, they're up for it.

"So it's got to be a tough game playing over there but the boys are excited."

In the only personnel change to the starting side, Dragons lock Levi Douglas misses out after being forced off with a head injury in the victory against Stade Francais.

Ryan Woodman moves from flanker to lock, with Harrison Keddie coming into the back row and Shane Lewis-Hughes named as a replacement.

"Selection as well has been challenging," said Tiatia.

"Players are playing well and putting their hand up to say 'pick me'.

"It's a good headache. Everybody's fighting for a job, they want to wear the jersey and there's a quarter-final in the European Challenge Cup at stake."

Zebre: Montemauri; Belloni, Bertaccini, Zanon, Trulla; Da Re, Garcia; Hasa, Di Bartolomeo, Neculai, Canali, Krumov (capt), Ortombina, Stavile, Odiase.

Replacements: Quattrini, Franceschetto, Pitinari, Ferrari, Licata, Fusco, Mazza, Locatelli

Dragons: O'Brien (co-capt); Richards, Inisi, Owen, Dyer; de Beer, Armstrong; Martinez, Coghlan, Coleman, Woodman, Carter (co-capt), Keddie, Young, Wainwright.

Replacements: Dee, W Jones, James, S Davies, Lewis-Hughes, M Lloyd, Paea, Anderson.

Referee: Luke Pearce (RFU)

Assistant Referees: Anthony Woodthorpe & Jonathan Healy (RFU)

TMO: Leo Colgan (IRFU)