Sherratt expecting hostile reception at Rodney Parade

Head coach Matt Sherratt is looking forward to an exciting festive period, when his Cardiff side play back-to-back derbies against Dragons RFC and Ospreys.

The Blue and Blacks face the Men of Gwent on Boxing Day with Sherratt expecting a hostile reception from the Rodney Parade crowd.

“It’s an exciting period, it’s always pretty hectic, switching from competition to competition, so after a decent result on Saturday against Cheetahs, it’s nice to flick a switch to two derbies,” said Sherratt.

“I really enjoy going to Rodney Parade, if I’m honest. It feels like a proper old school derby, packed to the rafters, especially after the warm up when you walk off.

“You get a pretty hostile reception, but that’s what it’s all about, isn’t it? I’m really looking forward to it and the players are as well.”

Cardiff played Dragons RFC in the last round of BKT United Rugby Championship fixtures before the European break, coming away with a 31-23 victory.

With the two sides locking horns so soon again, Sherratt isn’t expecting too much to change tactically from the home side on Thursday and is concentrating on Cardiff’s game.

“I think it’s just getting the balance right and it’s actually a fairly odd one because we played them two games ago and neither team has changed tactically or drastically in that time,” added Sherratt.

“What I always feel with Derbies as well, is the boys are so familiar with each other in terms of being in Welsh camp together and they’ve played against each other a lot over the last two or three years.

“It’s not one to overdo in terms of tactical messages, so this week really we’ve just focused on ourselves.

“We’ve been in Wednesday and today (Friday) and just got our game going as much as possible and then I think Monday if there’s any tweaks in any five or ten percents regarding the Dragons we’ll have a look at that.

“The kicking game has stayed pretty consistent. They’re very good in the first three phases, their launch is dangerous.

“They’re well coached, so we’ll be mindful of that, but I don’t think there’s been a huge tactical change massively from them.”

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