COACH Luke Narraway says that the Dragons must learnt to “be braver” to thrive under new boss Dean Ryan, writes Chris Kirwan.

Former England number eight Narraway was brought in by director of rugby Ryan to be in charge of the Celtic Cup team and saw his side lose 40-31 to Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park on Saturday.

The Dragons scored five tries – through prop Ryan Bevington, wing Dafydd Howells (2) and scrum-halves Tavis Knoyle and Rhodri Williams – but their boss felt they still didn’t go full throttle in the capital.

READ MORE: Cardiff Blues A 40 Dragons XV 31

South Wales Argus:

“We just need to be a little bit braver,” said Narraway. “That’s not brave as in putting your head somewhere you don’t want to, it’s playing.

“Our brand of rugby and our DNA is going to be high-tempo, attacking rugby and sometimes where the pressure comes on through the scoreline you can go away from playing.

“That can be the easiest option and you can go into your shell, whereas as a group we need to realise our strengths and be brave enough to play to them even if it’s a 9-9 game.

“If we can get there, be brave and stay true to our strengths then hopefully we can win more than we lose.”

The Dragons now prepare for a double-header against the Scarlets at Rodney Parade on Saturday with the academy talent taking on the west Walians before the seniors take to the field.

After the youngsters beat Munster with a six-try performance in Newport, the first-teamers took on the Blues in a fixture featuring 11 Wales internationals.

South Wales Argus:

“One thing that we are trying to do is not have a them and us with the under-23s and the first team at the Dragons,” said Narraway, who is on a contract until the end of the Celtic Cup.

“Whether you are 18 or 35 we are under one banner and we are one team with everyone striving to go in the right direction.

“It doesn’t matter who is on the pitch, we will review this together as we did after Munster, young and old, and will learn and grow together.

“It’s brilliant, we’ve got the numbers for the Scarlets with some younger players that missed out against the Blues.

“It will be great to get out at Rodney Parade again and put two games on, future stars and current stars.”

Captain Harrison Keddie was taken off as a precaution early on after landing awkwardly on his chest after a hard carry. Howells came off at half-time after suffering an ankle injury.