Gordon Ross praised the Dragons for fronting up against Munster – but admitted they still needed to find better accuracy and composure.
Dragons lost 28-16 to the Irish province at Rodney Parade despite tries form Sam Davies and Matthew Screech – on his 150th appearance for the region.
That made it an unwanted hat-trick of losses to Iris sides this season in the Guinness PRO14.
However, Backs Coach Ross – in charge in the absence of Dean Ryan who was self-isolating – believes Dragons took steps forward as they went toe-to-toe with unbeaten Munster in wet and windy conditions in Newport.
“I am really proud of the group because last week in Ulster we struggled physically. We really stood up to Munster and in terms of physicality we were excellent,” he said.
“Unfortunately, through our enthusiasm and energy, we weren’t composed enough at times on both sides of the ball.
“We gave away a few penalties that gave them easy outs and the when we had opportunities we weren’t clinical enough. We have to manage those moments better."
Dragons next face Connacht on home soil next Saturday (kick-off 5.15pm) and Ross is hoping for a more accurate show – and weather.
“Hopefully conditions will be a bit better and give us more opportunity to play ball in hand,” he said.
“We have got to be more accurate. We were a bit sloppy at times with the ball and our kicking game first half wasn’t as accurate as we could have been. We gave Munster a few opportunities to open up.
“Munster are an excellent side,” he added. “They have been European champions for a reason, and let’s be honest in these conditions they thrive on it.
“They had two or three opportunities when it opened up and they were clinical. That is a good lesson for us to take home.”
We gave away a few penalties that gave them easy outs and the when we had opportunities we weren’t clinical enough... We have to manage those moments better."
