Head Coach Dai Flanagan insisted his Dragons should have secured an away EPRC Challenge Cup victory by half-time in Italy – as inaccuracy led to a narrow defeat to Zebre Parma.
The boot of Cai Evans saw the Men of Gwent open up a 12-0 lead at Stadio Lanfranchi and force other openings before momentum swung back to the Italians.
A late try from Jared Rosser sparked fresh hope of an away win in Pool A.
But ultimately it was another narrow away European loss – again by just three points – as Flanagan was left to admit inaccuracy had let the game slip away.
“I felt the first half we controlled the game – it should have been game over at half-time,” he stated.
“We were inaccurate in attack, but our game management was superb, and we didn’t give them much room to breathe.
“Then the inaccuracy forced the error which forced the emotion which forced the momentum. It gave them penalties and ins and that is how the game swayed.
“Second half we couldn’t get into the game. We went 15 or 20 minutes without touching the ball and we tried something that we shouldn’t try.
“We are away from home and there are no mugs in Europe. We’ve got to make sure we respect the opposition and to win you have to have a game plan. We executed quite well first half, but second we didn’t see it.
“Our game management in the first half was way better. To come away from home and give them nothing to feed off for 26 minutes was a positive.
“But the counter to that is the negatives and it is huge. We’ve got to teach better, we’ve got to be diligent, and we have got to understand momentum.
“I don’t know how important that point is going to be. We have got to reflect on this and make sure we are good enough to win games like this.”
Dragons now face Pool A leaders the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Rodney Parade on Sunday, January 21 (kick-off 5.30pm) and Flanagan knows only a top performance will secure knockout rugby.
“It’s massive for us now,” he stressed. “We are three from three at home and we have the Sharks coming to town with some World Cup winners.
“It’s a big opportunity for us to improve on tonight back in front of our fans.”
Tickets to watch the clash with Hollywoodbets Sharks are on sale NOW! CLICK HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690 during office hours.
I felt the first half we controlled the game – it should have been game over at half-time... Second half we couldn’t get into the game...
