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Wales Online
Wales Online
Sport
Katie Sands

Pau 15-21 Dragons: Dai Flanagan's men claim first European win in three years with hard-fought battle in France

Dai Flanagan's Dragons claimed their first European win in three years away to French side Pau in the Challenge Cup.

In securing a 21-15 victory on Friday night, the Welsh region have moved to third in Pool B of the European competition.

Daniel Ikperfan scored early for Pau but tries from Ashton Hewitt and Max Clarke gave the Welsh visitors a 15-7 half-time lead, and despite Vincent Pinto crossing for the hosts in the second half the Dragons held on for the win. JJ Hanrahan slotted a late goal to clinch the win before a last-minute penalty from Axel Despres ensured the hosts salvaged a losing bonus point.

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Flanagan's side had been on a seven-match winless streak in all competitions heading into the game, but a refresh paid off: the Dragons made four changes to their side, reinstalling Taine Basham to the line-up along with Will Reed, Hewitt and prop Rob Evans.

Their last victory in Europe was in January 2020 when they beat Russian side Enissey STM in Newport.

The Dragons play South African side Lions at Rodney Parade next Sunday in their final pool-stage game, and are almost guaranteed of a place in the round of 16 whatever the result.

Pau: Théo Attissogbe; Vincent Pinto, Yvan Reilhac, Nathan Decron, Daniel Ikpefan; Thibault Debaes, Clovis Lebail (Capt); Siegfried Fisiihoi, Romain Ruffenach, Nicolas Corato, Hugo Auradou, Fabrice Metz, Sacha Zegueur, Thibaut Hamonou, Brent Liufau.

Replacements: Youri Delhommel, Ignacio Calles, Siate Tokolahi, Jimi Maximin, Martin Puech, Alexis Levron, Axel Desperes, Mathias Colombet.

Dragons: Jordan Williams; Rio Dyer, Steff Hughes (capt), Max Clark, Ashton Hewitt; Will Reed, Lewis Jones; Rob Evans, Bradley Roberts, Chris Coleman, Joe Davies, George Nott, Sean Lonsdale, Taine Basham, Ollie Griffiths.

Replacements: Brodie Coghlan, Josh Reynolds, Luke Yendle, Ben Carter, Aaron Wainwright, Che Hope, JJ Hanrahan, Jack Dixon.

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