 | DRAGONS PREDICTIONS Celtic League: 2nd Celtic Cup: Quarter-final Heineken Cup: Quarter-final |
The Dragons were the over-achievers of last season, their rag-tag squad putting off-field bickering aside to mount a powerful assault on the Celtic League. They were challenging for the title on the final weekend, finishing in a strong third place, and delivered respectable performances in a tough Heineken Cup pool.
With die-hard Newport fans apparently won over to a growing fan base, the Dragons look poised to build on the successes of their inaugural season.
Benefactor Tony Brown is back on board, helping fund an impressive summer transfer splurge that saw them secure some of the prize assets from the now-defunct Celtic Warriors.
To back up their rugged, ball-winning pack, the Dragons can now call on the international-class half-back pairing of Gareth Cooper and Ceri Sweeney.
The proven talents of Kevin Morgan and Gareth Wyatt have been drafted in to add a cutting edge to a previously blunt back three.
 One to watch: Lock Luke Charteris |
Jon Bryant will prove an effective, hard-running replacement at inside centre for former skipper Andy Marinos, who has become the side's chief executive. Serious questions remain to be answered, though.
The forwards were able to mix it with the best last season, but with the other Welsh regions having pillaged the powerful Warriors pack the challenges will be more intense, particularly in the scrum.
In the backs, there is debate over whether Morgan or team superstar Percy Montgomery should wear the full-back jersey.
Should they opt for Monty, a glaring creative gap will appear at outside centre, with Nathan Brew having plenty to prove if he is to fill the void.
Marinos' leadership role will be effectively filled by new captain Jason Forster, but the overall guidance of the team is in unfamiliar hands.
Coach Mike Ruddock was widely credited with instilling the Dragons' never-say-die attitude last season, and in taking the Wales job he has left some significant size 10s to fill.
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Nobody doubts that replacement Chris Anderson has the credentials to succeed. He has led Australia to World Cup glory - but in the 13-a-side league code rather than in union, where his experience is minimal.
Anderson will rely on the insight of side-kick Leigh Jones for the finer points of the 15-man game, and the quality of the squad should ensure that they are challenging at the very top of the Celtic League.
A favourable Heineken Cup draw also gives the Gwent side a great chance in Europe. Edinburgh, Perpignan and Newcastle will all be competitive, but there is nothing to stop the Dragons making the Heineken knock-out stages for the first time.
In: Richard Bryan, Ceri Sweeney, Gareth Cooper, Jon Bryant, Gareth Wyatt, Kevin Morgan (all Warriors), James Richards (Leicester), Chris Anderson (new coach)
Out: Mike Ruddock (new Wales coach), Clive Griffiths (Wales defence coach), Andy Marinos (becomes Dragons chief executive), Declan Kidney (Leinster coach), Shawn van Rensburg (Coventry), Lee Jarvis (Penzance and Newlyn), Bob Skinstad, Gerald Arasa (Wasps)
Captain: Jason Forster
Coach: Chris Anderson
Assistant coach: Leigh Jones
Team colours: Black, white and red
Chief Executive: Andy Marinos
Ground: Rodney Parade
MMIX
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