Boss Dean Ryan was delighted to banish the region’s away record in style – after another performance that he admitted taught him a lot about his new troops.
After a four-and-a-half year wait for an away win in the Guinness PRO14, Dragons blew away 14-man Zebre with a powerful second half surge that saw them score 38 points.
Zebre had led at the break at Stadio Lanfranchi before a red card seconds into the second half to home wing Charlie Walker saw momentum swing.
And Ryan was thrilled to put the unwanted tag to bed and start looking forward with renewed optimism.
“It is a result that means a huge amount to the people who have been involved for the last three or four years,” he said.
“I’m delighted for all the staff at Rodney Parade, the coaching staff, the players and, very importantly, our supporters.
“I’m also really pleased for players like Lewis Evans who have been here for those four years.
“It’s a relief to get it done. We talk about the future, but the past was definitely a pressure on us.”
Ryan’s men scored seven tries to power to the bonus point, with wing Owen Jenkins leading the way with a brace.
Skipper Rhodri Williams, Jordan Williams, Harri Keddie, Taine Basham and a penalty try were the other scorers as Dragons tasted long overdue away day joy.
“We will get better and must remember that is only two games together in the league. It’s just the start,” added Ryan.
“There were times in that game when we lacked confidence, but other times when we looked outstanding.
“It is another performance to build on and every game is an opportunity to get better. I have learnt a lot more about the team in that game and that is important.”
Dragons are next in action on home soil on Friday evening when they face a Connacht side that blitzed Benetton 41-5 in Galway on Saturday night.
“We now look forward to going home,” said Ryan.
“To have two games away from home was very difficult for a side under new management, but we have dealt with it.
“The last time we played at home we produced a good performance against Scarlets in pre-season.
“With that in mind, we are all looking forward to getting back in front of our own supporters again.
“It has been two games, nothing more than that. We respect the difficult times we have been though, but now we look forward and look to get better again next Friday night.”
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“I’m delighted for all the staff at Rodney Parade, the coaching staff, the players and, very importantly, our supporters.
