Centre Jamie Roberts insists Dragons need to be more clinical following Saturday’s loss to Perpignan in the European Challenge Cup opener.
The Men of Gwent dominated for large parts of the game in the South of France but could not turn pressure into points after multiple visits inside hosts territory.
The second half saw the momentum swing following two yellow cards to scrum half Tavis Knoyle and centre Adam Warren in quick succession.
Perpignan took advantage and despite a late Roberts try they held on for a narrow victory at home in the opening round of the competition.
Roberts admits it was a difficult loss to take but believes the Dragons need to be more clinical if they are to turn the results around.
“It was really disappointing, the start of the second half we put a lot of pressure on their line and we had to score, we didn’t and they came back into the game,” said the 35-year-old.
“Two yellow cards, down to 13 men for nearly ten minutes of the game, we lost momentum and they scored a couple of tries. A difficult game to take really after dominating it for so long.
“We have to start turning pressure into points, because we put a lot of pressure on our opposition but we just don’t turn it into points on the scoreboard.
“Teams then stay in the game, a couple of yellow cards and the momentum completely turns, it’s just disappointing at the end of the day because we should have won that game.”
Next up for Dean Ryan’s men is a home fixture against another French outfit in Lyon at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).
Dragons will be looking to cause an upset in round two of the Challenge Cup and put an end to the recent run of defeats.
Welsh international Roberts admits the side will hope to put things right in front of the Rodney Parade faithful.
He said: “Plenty to work on now and get back to the drawing board ahead of the game against Lyon.
“As a group we need to pull together to get out of this run. We will just get together, look back at the game and aim to put things right against Lyon.”
