Four-try Dragons beat Perpignan – but without bonus
Dragons opened their Challenge Cup campaign with a hard-fought win over Perpignan at Rodney Parade, despite a scrappy performance. They scored four tries to secure victory, but missed out on a bonus point under this season’s rules, which require five tries when the opposition scores twice.
Jared Rosser, Aneurin Owen, Anzelo Tuitavuki and Fetuli Paea crossed for Dragons, while Perpignan replied through Jules Coulon and Posolo Tuilagi. Perpignan led 7-5 at half-time before Dragons edged ahead, with Tinus de Beer’s penalty and conversion helping settle the match. The result puts Dragons in a strong position to reach the last 16, though injuries to props Rhodri and Wyn Jones added to their concerns ahead of a derby against Ospreys.
- Dragons beat Perpignan after scoring four tries.
- Five tries were needed for a bonus point.
- Injuries to both Jones props added to Dragons’ concerns.
New here? Start with this
Dragons are a professional rugby union side from Newport in south-east Wales, and Rodney Parade is their home ground. Perpignan are a French club from the city of the same name.
The Challenge Cup is a European competition for club teams. Its group stage helps decide which sides progress to the knockout rounds, including the last 16.
Rugby union awards a bonus point for meeting certain scoring targets, which can affect a team’s place in the group standings. The rules set a higher try target when the opposition scores twice, so a win does not always bring a bonus point.