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Edwards: Dragons need composure

Edwards: Dragons need composure

Darren Edwards says his Newport Gwent Dragons side need just a little more composure if they are to start to string some wins together.

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Edwards saw Wasps leave Rodney Parade with a narrow 20-19 win in their Amlin Cup clash on Thursday night in a game his side could and should have won. 

The defeat to Dai Young’s Wasps followed narrow losses to Bayonne and Cardiff Blues and Edwards knows that despite another good performance, it’s all about getting a win on the board.

“There were enough points out there for us to win but elements of our tactical game let us down,” he said.

“We didn’t take the points when we needed to but the boys are still fighting and we were in the game against a very good side who are doing well in the Aviva Premiership.

“We’ve come close to a number of good teams now but it’s always about the win.”

Trailing by a single point with five minutes remaining, the Dragons threw everything at the English side. But they were made to pay for failing to take their chances, full back Tom Prydie missing a number of opportunities to secure the win from the tee.

“It’s not just about composure at the death it’s about those key moments during the game as well,” Edwards added.

“If you deal with them well that takes the pressure off you. You don’t really want to be winning it in the last couple of minutes.

“But these boys are putting on that shirt and giving everything they’ve got. There were some outstanding individual performances and some players are starting to get rewarded for that.”

One of those players is Andrew Coombs who could be in line to make his Wales debut in this year’s Six Nations. The lock once again impressed against Wasps, his long pass out wide allowing Dan Evans to cross for a first half try.

And Edwards believes Coombs will be a huge asset to Rob Howley over the next few weeks.

“I think it’s the attitude of the man and the abrasive way he plays,” said the former Newport scrum half.

“Rugby is a physical sport and he’s certainly a physical player. He’s a huge competitor and a player’s player.

“He’ll always battle for your team and he’ll pull that Welsh shirt on and be good for Wales.

“I certainly think he’ll be pushing for a place at lock and he’ll be good there too.”

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