Head Coach Dai Flanagan called on Dragons to make the intensity with accuracy after a battling 34-27 loss to Connacht Rugby in a BKT United Rugby Championship cracker at Rodney Parade.
The Men of Gwent showed huge heart and skill to battle back from a half-time deficit and claw level after tries from Steff Hughes, Rhodri Williams and Rio Dyer.
But a late red card for Ben Carter proved pivotal as the 14-man were breached late on and forced to settle for a deserved losing bonus point.
“I am bitterly disappointed with the result. It’s tough losing, especially here at home, when the effort was so good. That is what makes me proud,” said Flanagan.
“We were on the ropes that first half, but we kept it within a score. We then start the second half with a bang.
“We showed some character. The challenge, that I have said to the group, is to match that intensity with accuracy.
“That doesn’t just happen. We need to train at that intensity and play in more games with that intensity so we can be accurate in the moment.
“Our accuracy let us down. Four kicks out on the full and the odd jackal attempt where we lose our feet. It’s accuracy. But our energy was good.
“We matched them defensively, but we gave them too many ins with kick errors.
“Nobody wants to give away a penalty, Elliot Dee doesn’t want to give away a yellow card, he just cares so much. Rhods and Cai don’t mean to kick out on the full. We just need to be better in intense games.
“We showed the talent across the field. I thought Taine Basham and Ewan Rosser were outstanding and looked real threats on the ball."
Flanagan, who revealed Aaron Wainwright was withdrawn after failed HIA at half-time, is now keen to finish the season strong.
“We have Stormers next, and these South African teams are not small,” said Flanagan.
“Connacht are a big team, you could see that in the first 20 minutes, but if we match the intensity, we are not a small team.
“If we are more accurate with the ball and fundamentals of the game we will be in with a shout and that is our challenge.”
We showed some character. The challenge, that I have said to the group, is to match that intensity with accuracy...
