The Dragons were frustrated by individual errors in the first competitive run out of the season which handed the momentum to a streetwise Benetton side that racked up a record 11 victories in the championship last season.
Rhodri Williams played the full 80 minutes and grabbed a try at the end to help the Dragons earn a bonus point against the Italians.
“It was a frustrating game for us after taking the early lead, but we had chances like the one to score in the corner for a second time and there were three attacking line outs where we slipped up and made mistakes.
“It’s first game of the season, there’s plenty to work on and some positives as well, we created opportunities we’ve just got to take them.
“We’re not going to park the mistakes we’ll learn from them for next week. We have the chance to put it right next week.
“We’re home again and if we can work on our own work-ons, we’re not miles off it. Benetton are a good team, with 11 wins last year so they aren’t the side they were.
“They are big unit and in some areas we didn’t deal with them as well as we could.
“They beat us by 4 points after we came back at the end to finish strong and got a bonus point rather than letting our heads go down. That bonus point could be crucial towards the end of the year
“They have got the winning habit of winning the close games and once we start winning games and cut out the individual errors we’ll be ok.
“It will take time to click, but today was more individual errors which cause compound errors. We’ve got to get things in order next week to build for the Kings. “
Williams joined the Dragons from Bristol this summer and has been in fine try scoring form through pre-season which he replicated tonight, scoring in all three of the friendly games as well as tonight's first competitive game. Williams is relishing his new partnership with Henson and can't wait to see new signing Moriarty impress for the men of Gwent.
"I’m thoroughly enjoying it here, with a good group of boys and I want to concentrate on playing for the Dragons. I get plenty of chat from Gavin and he certainly tells you when you have done something wrong which is what you want.
"Ross brings plenty of energy, physicality and that edge that he’s been doing for Gloucester and Wales week in and week out so he’ll be a big boost. He’s been good in training and comes with plenty of hunger so you can see he is a quality of player."
