Dai Flanagan acknowledged Dragons must improve away performances - after paying the price for a disappointing opening half in Treviso.
The Men of Gwent found themselves 17-0 down to Benetton Rugby at Stadio Monigo after 40 minutes of Round Four in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
A better second period harvested a try for wing Rio Dyer and debut score from centre Steff Hughes - while other chances were created.
Flanagan was quick to pay tribute to the way Benetton wrapped up a bonus point win.
But he also believes Dragons can take big lessons from the encounter and first 40 minutes.
“After the first half we had to look at ourselves, we lacked a little bit of energy which was disappointing,” he said.
“Once we bought energy in the second half, we looked a different team - we talked about finding what we are good at.
“All credit to Benetton, they have got a style of play and they wear teams down.
“We can learn a lot of lessons about the way they play. They capitalised on our mistakes in the first half and out of nowhere we are 17-0 down.
“The energy and the effort the boys are bringing during the training week has been really good,” he added.
“We’ve found what we need at home the last few games and now we need to take lessons about how we travel, how we work together and how we produce better performances all-round.”
Reflecting on the away record and next week’s clash against Cardiff Rugby, Flanagan added: “Our away record is clearly not good enough. We are working as hard as we can to change that.
“We are a new group; it is week by week and we have got to better now for the derbies.
“It’s an important game for us next week,” he concluded.
“We’re all disappointed with what has happened in Italy; we must look at ourselves and that starts with me. What can we do better.
“We lacked energy collectively. We need to be honest with ourselves and let’s see how we can now get better.”
Tickets are on sale NOW for the home BKT United Rugby Championship clash with Ospreys! CLICK HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690 during office hours to join us at Rodney Parade for derby day!
We’ve found what we need at home the last few games... now we need to take lessons about how we travel, how we work together and how we produce better performances all-round...
