Last week at Northampton it was Joe Goodchild, loanee Joe Thomas and RGC’s Huw Worthington that made their Dragons’ bow, this week two more players get their opportunity, as the Cup competition continues to provide an invaluable opportunity for youngsters to show what they can do
The cross-border Cup competition has proved a successful proving for the Dragons as Babos and Reynolds become the latest in line to make their debuts following the footsteps of Hallam Amos, Leon Brown and Tyler Morgan who first experienced senior rugby in this competition. Babos can’t wait for his chance which he had hoped would come earlier this season when he was in line to play against Ulster in the GUINNESS PRO14.
“I missed a chance to play earlier in the season against Ulster,” said Babos. “I was pushing (for a place) but then got a hamstring injury 5 mins into a training session, so I was devastated. Now this opportunity has come up, so I’ve just got to take this and hopefully all goes right.
“The Anglo Welsh does give youngsters the chance to play, which is ideal for us, as with the Pro14 there’s a lot more riding on it, but games like this give us youngsters the chance to find out what it’s all about.
"It’s extremely exciting to be making my debut and I just want to take my opportunity. I’m grateful for the opportunity so just need to take it now.”
Growing up in Cwmbran, Babos moved across to Panteg after a couple of years with Cwmbran and then on to Pontypool United. Tomorrow he gets the chance to don the Dragons jersey for his first run out at Rodney Parade for the region.
“It’s about getting used to the standard so if we do well and get another chance we can take it or we can take that experience back to our Prem clubs.”
Babos has enjoyed the step up to the first team squad in training at Ystrad and is benefitting from having experienced pros as he learns his own game.
“To learn from players like Sarel is top class,” he added. “The way he attacks the line is ridiculous. There’s players like him, Gav and Charlie and when you get speaking to them they sit down with you. Sarel and I have done sessions together analyzing. He shows me how he analyses the opposition and the opportunity so in that sense it’s great to do that with him and Charlie to get their perspectives.
“I just try and create as much tempo as possible and give quick ball. I’m quite bossy on the pitch, but the main part of my game is speed of ball and maybe have a little snipe if it’s on. That’s my strength and if I can bring quick ball into the game on Friday then we can do the job on them.”
Gavin Henson and Rynard Landman are on the replacements bench whilst Sam Hobbs returns to the match day squad.
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