Following their recent away European success, Dragons returned to Rodney Parade on Friday night, but suffered a 47-7 defeat to a “clinical” Vodacom Bulls outfit.
The scores were narrow in the first half with the South Africans leading 12-7 at the break, but five second half tries, including three in the last five minutes led to a one-sided scoreline.
Dragons did have chances to score more tries, with Rio Dyer coming close on two occasions, while Jared Rosser had a try disallowed for a knock-on.
“The Bulls are a really clinical team, particularly when you allow them entries into your 22,” said Keddie.
“That’s where they thrive - I think they probably taught us all a lesson about being clinical.
“We had chances, in both halves, to get points, particularly when we got entries into their 22, we probably weren't quite on it.
“Whether it'd be a loose ball or something go wrong in the lineout, then we're trying to wrestle the momentum back off them then and then they're on the front foot.
“I think they probably got on top of us in that area in terms of converting opportunities in the 22.”
Bulls produced a very physical display throughout the game, with the first five tries all coming directly from their driving maul or short range.
"We spoke in the week that if we let them have their first three, four phases with quick-ball momentum then it’s really hard to get it back off them and they’re playing on top,” said Keddie.
“I think areas around our discipline and then probably our tackle selection, first three, four phases, we probably allowed them to get on top of us and then couldn't probably wrestle it back, particularly in the last 20 minutes.”
Dragons now have three games remaining in the league season with a trip to Zebre next weekend in the BKT United Rugby Championship before they face Montpellier in a EPCR Challenge Cup Semi-Final.
Players and fans will be excited for that test and a possible trip to Bilbao for the final at the end of May.
“It's exciting to have big games at this point of the season, we haven't had it for the last few years,” said Keddie.
“As a group, we are excited about going a massive four weeks now coming up.
“The fans have been amazing for as long as I’ve been here, but particularly this season.
“It was a great turnout for us tonight, you can always hear them getting on her back, getting behind us and giving us a lift when we're here or on the road.”
It was a great turnout for us tonight, you can always hear them getting on her back, getting behind us and giving us a lift when we're here or on the road...
