Dee: Dragons will come back stronger

Lyn Jones's side are currently tenth in the GUINNESS PRO12 table, having recorded only one victory with a bonus-point triumph over Benetton Treviso in round four.

An extensive injury list that saw captain Lee Byrne as well as five first-team second row players out of action has not helped the Dragons's cause and left them to reassess their goals this season.

Yet while the high-flying Ospreys may already be out of reach, Dee is confident his side are capable of overhauling Welsh rivals Scarlets and Cardiff Blues.

And the 20-year-old admits the Dragons need to start firing soon - starting with the visit of Munster to Rodney Parade on 21 November.

"There is a bit of frustration about our season so far as we've not been able to show what we can do but all the boys who have come in have done brilliantly," said Dee.

"There are a few games we could have won and have been close but we didn't keep possession at key times.

"We've also had a terrible injury crisis - I've never seen an injury list like this, it's come as a bit of a shock but when they're all back we should be challenging again.

"Ideally we wanted to come first out of all the Welsh regions but with Ospreys going well then second is now a realistic goal for us this year.

"Every team in the league wants to finish in the top six and that's still the aim but things have got to click soon for us to do that."

Although one of the youngest members of the squad, Wales Under-20 international Dee has enjoyed an extended run in the first team this year, making an appearance in all seven GUINNESS PRO12 games.

And the young hooker believes it is the guidance of head coach Jones and skipper Byrne that has seen him stave off competition from T.Rhys Thomas and Hugh Gustafson for the No.2 jersey.

"As a young player in the front row it didn't come as a surprise to get this many games - I've worked hard over the summer and know where I want to be.

"Lyn has been brilliant giving me an opportunity to show what I can do and there is healthy competition in the hooker's role between the three of us every week.

"Lee Byrne has been at the top of his game for ten years and was highly successful with the Ospreys when he was there.

"He's a great guy to have around - he's tough but fair with the boys, he doesn't bark unnecessarily and we all respect him."

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