Tiatia: We didn't make momentum count

Interim Head Coach Filo Tiatia admitted his Dragons were made to pay for not making momentum count and building the scoreboard as they lost 31-23 to Cardiff Rugby in the BKT United Rugby Championship.

Young scrum half Morgan Lloyd and replacement prop Aki Seiuli grabbed late tries at Cardiff Arms Park.

But Tiatia’s team were left to rue not taking chances and opening up a lead in the first half as they suffered more capital punishment.

“I am disappointed because we built a lot of pressure and momentum in that first half but didn’t capitalise on opportunities,” said the boss.

“The players need to accelerate where we are at around learning when we have momentum and those missed opportunities.

“I really enjoyed the fightback and the character we showed, while some of our young guys that came on sparked a bit of life in the dragon when we were chasing the game.

“But we just can’t chase a game like that and we have to make sure we poke our nose through the gaps to build momentum and move the scoreboard.

“I am pretty happy with the decisions that they are making on the field but it’s just about maximising and getting points when we do have their foot on their throat.

“There were some high points and Morgan (Lloyd) was certainly one. Rhodri (Williams) was very good at nine too,” he added.

“Some of the young guys that got an opportunity to come on you could see some of the potential.

Dragons now turn their attention to Montpellier in the EPCR Challenge Cup at Rodney Parade on Friday evening (kick-off 8pm).

“The French are unpredictable, and it will be interesting to see what team they bring to Rodney Parade,” said Tiatia.

“It’s a short turnaround but we are looking to the challenge. They have some very good players and have an interesting style.

“We have done a lot of work about playing against bigger teams and we have to be more clinical with our technique and maximising our mass when defending, whether carrying or cleaning out.”