BACK row star Ollie Griffiths feels the belief in the Dragons squad is helping them get over the line in games that are going to the wire.

Unlike previous seasons, Griffiths and co have managed to sneak wins in tight encounters, with late victories sealed against the Scarlets, Ospreys and, just last Saturday, the Cheetahs.

Fly-half Sam Davies, who is training with the Wales squad, was the Dragons’ hero on two of those occasions, his drop-goal and penalty beating the Scarlets and Cheetahs respectively.

Reflecting on the Cheetahs game, Griffiths, 24, said: “It's nice to be on the other side of those last-minute wins for a change, but we were quite harsh when we reviewed it.

“If they had kicked it out, we would have been in a different position.

"We showed a lot of character and fight to stay in it towards the end and put in a lot of hard work.

“I've been here a while now and it's been a situation where we've lost in the last minute.

“It is nice things have changed and we are edging victories in the last few minutes.”

When asked what was behind the Dragons’ late triumphs, he added: “It’s a bit of everything.

“There are certain things we do at the start of the game which puts us in those situations towards the end of the game.

“We've been finishing games strongly in the last 20 minutes, so that definitely plays a big part.

“It's just a mindset thing. In the past we've maybe, in those last 20 minutes when games are tight, let them get away from us.

“I think we have got a bit of belief now where we can edge those victories in the last 10 to 20 minutes. That's been a big thing.

“We have spoken about staying within a score in all games. And, like we showed on the weekend, as long as we stay within that score then some will go our way.

“It’s about staying consistent with our performances and hopefully we can get a few more victories like last Saturday.”

The Dragons hunt back-to-back Guinness PRO14 wins for the first time this season when Benetton visit Rodney Parade on Friday night (kick-off 7.35pm).

“We know they're coming with massive drive focus,” he said. “Our drive defence was a lot better last weekend after Glasgow scored a few driving maul tries against us.

“I think Benetton are the highest driving team in the PRO14, so it is something we will put a lot of focus on in training.

“I’m not sure if they’re putting internationals back in, but they’re a decent team and have come on a lot in the last few years so it’s going to be a tough challenge.

“We just hope it’s on. We’ve had to postpone the game once because of the storm a few weeks ago.

“I’m not sure what will happen if it is called off for a second time (due to coronavirus). Fingers crossed it is on.

“As far as we’re concerned, it’s safe to play, unless we’re told differently.”

Griffiths made his PRO14 comeback away to Glasgow after a spell out injured.

He played the full 80 minutes at Scotstoun Stadium and lasted the distance against the Cheetahs.

“I injured my calf a few months ago and came back a little bit quick, but it’s all good now and I’ve played the last two full 80 minutes and, touch wood, that’s me for a while,” he said.

“We had a long break when I came back fit, so I got a few extra weeks in training. The Benetton game was off, so I managed to get back 100%.”

Griffiths also has one eye on making a play for more international honours, his one Wales cap coming against Tonga in 2017.

“I just need to get a consistent run of games and hopefully play well enough to put my hand up,” he said.