Head Coach Filo Tiatia admitted Dragons had always been chasing the game as they lost out 41-17 to USA Perpignan in the EPCR Challenge Cup opener in France.
The Top 14 side blasted into a 17-0 lead at the break to take control of the clash at Stade Aime Giral.
Dragons showed spirit to score three second half tries, courtesy of hooker Wills Austin (2) and Joe Westwood.
But the Men of Gwent were left pointless from the clash in France as Perpignan eased to a bonus point success.
“It was disappointing. We played a good Perpignan side who won most of the collisions and credited pressure,” said Tiatia.
“We need to be better at doing the basics well and keeping hold of the ball.
“We needed to get possession in the right parts of the field and create pressure and score points.
“We got a couple of tries at the end, but we were always chasing the game.”
Dragons now return home and prepare to face more French opposition with Lyon next up at Rodney Parade on Sunday (kick-off 3.15pm).
“We’ve got a very good Lyon side coming up,” stated Tiatia. “We are not sure what team they will bring over, but they will be a good side.
“They play some good rugby, their set piece is good, and they like to run with the ball so it will be a challenge.”
We need to be better at doing the basics well... We needed to get possession in the right parts of the field and create pressure and score points.
