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Page last updated at 06:35 GMT, Wednesday, 14 October 2009 07:35 UK

Charteris issues Dragons warning

HEINEKEN CUP POOL 2 - Newport Gwent Dragons v Glasgow Warriors
Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport Date: Fri 16 October Kick-off: 1730 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio Wales & online, score updates on BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sport website


Luke Charteris
Charteris is standing in as Dragons skipper for injured Tom Willis

Newport Gwent Dragons' stand-in skipper Luke Charteris says they must beat Glasgow on Friday or their Heineken Cup campaign will effectively be over.

The Dragons lost their opening Pool 2 game 19-17 at Gloucester on Friday.

Paul Turner's side have already beaten Glasgow in the Magners League this season, but Charteris says Friday's encounter at Rodney Parade is crucial.

"If we lose this then I don't know what the maths are, but I'm sure we're out of the Heineken Cup," Charteris said.

"And you don't want to be playing your last four [Pool] games and not being able to qualify.

"We want to keep the dream of getting through and it's a massive test for us.

606: DEBATE

"We had a big test last week and we didn't pass it. That's the truth of it and we're disappointed with that and we're looking to put that right on Friday."

The Dragons have been ravaged by injury with props Ali McKenzie (shoulder) and Nigel Hall (hand) the latest to be ruled out.

But Charteris says he and his team-mates must be prepared for an even tougher contest than they experienced at Kingsholm when they take on the Scottish side.

"I think on Friday night [at Gloucester] we were all bitterly disappointed and I think Saturday it just got worse, having looked at the tapes and the realisation that we really did miss a big opportunity up there.

"I think if it wasn't for some cheap penalties and silly little errors we could have come away with not just a win, but a comfortable win, really.

"They [Glasgow] are probably a better team than Gloucester, looking at what they've played so far this year.

"I think we got a good win against them earlier this season, but we're well aware they rested a few players for that game and they've got a few more boys back from injury so it's going to be a very tough game."

Charteris, who is deputising for injured skipper Tom Willis (calf), says Glasgow have added attacking options to their approach this season, but retain fly-half Dan Parks' tactical nous.

"They're a team similar to us, not very many big stars, but they've got good players," said Charteris.

"They've always had a really good pack and that's no exception. They've got a superb back-row and it will be a big challenge to nullify them.

"Recently they've brought more attacking play in their backs and maybe they were a bit one-dimensional a few years ago, just kicking the ball all the time.

"They've still got Parks there, who's obviously a superb weapon for them, but they've got a lot more to offer now so I think that will be a big challenge for us."



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see also
Dragons 22-14 Glasgow Warriors
16 Oct 09 |  Rugby Union
Glasgow Warriors 18-22 Biarritz
10 Oct 09 |  Glasgow
Gloucester 19-17 Dragons
09 Oct 09 |  Rugby Union
Dragons 30-19 Glasgow Warriors
18 Sep 09 |  Welsh
Heineken Cup group-by-group guide
08 Oct 09 |  Rugby Union
Heineken Cup 2009/10
22 Dec 09 |  Rugby Union
Heineken Cup tables
09 Aug 06 |  Tables
European rugby archive
16 Aug 06 |  Rugby Union


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