Calzaghe inspiration behind Dragons' derby-day win

Joe Calzaghe spent his entire career based in Gwent

Dai Flanagan has revealed the secret inspiration behind Dragons' remarkable last-gasp win over Ospreys - boxing great Joe Calzaghe.

Head coach Flanagan invited the former undefeated world champion to speak with his players during pre-season.

It was part of a string of motivational moves that also saw World Cup-winning All Black Sam Whitelock spend time at Rodney Parade.

But it was local hero Calzaghe, who lived and trained 12 miles away in Newbridge, who proved decisive in their injury-time 23-21 win on the opening weekend.

"We had Joe come in during the summer and we themed the week around him," said Flanagan.

"We wanted to take Ospreys to round 12 but I'm not sure we want to do that again because it pulls on the heart strings going so late."

Luke Yendle, the replacement prop, burrowed over from close range in the 83rd minute to set up Luke Evans for the match-wining conversion in front of the posts. It was the first time Dragons had won their opening game of the season since 2013.

"I'm just so proud of the boys. There was clarity and calmness in the final phase," said Flanagan.

"We've had that [last-minute scores] happen against us in the past but rarely for us. But now there's confidence that we can do that."

'Dancing around Ali style'

Ospreys head coach Toby Booth also used a boxing analogy to describe how his team managed to squander a 21-13 lead with just five minutes remaining.

"We've had them on the canvas but we haven't knocked them out," he said.

"We were far superior for most of the game but that doesn't matter if you're not superior on the scoreboard.

"Instead we've let our guard down and allowed them to get back up to come storming back in the 15th round.

"We were dancing around Muhammad Ali style and then got caught on the chin."