THE Dragons’ winless streak continued in the Guinness PRO14 with a 25-12 loss to Edinburgh. Here are five things from the fixture at Eugene Cross Park.

1: Little to cheer

Whatever side of the fence you are when it comes to shifting a league game away from Rodney Parade – and I am dubious about its worth and would prefer Anglo-Welsh Cup games to be ‘on the road’ – the supporters needed to be given something to cheer on a freezing night.

That simply didn’t happen. The atmosphere was flat because of a first half in which the Dragons didn’t throw a punch.

Edinburgh came flying out of the blocks to dominate the opening minutes and there was precious little professional standard rugby from the hosts.

A thumping Joe Davies tackle on Jason Harries was as good as it got in a half that was pointless because of poor misses with the boot by Dorian Jones (a drop goal in front of the posts) and Zane Kirchner (a shocker of a penalty effort).

A meek start to the second half didn’t exactly help matters, although at least the Dragons did provide some cheer with a Rynard Landman brace before Edinburgh snuffed out the danger.

2: Confidence gone

While Edinburgh looked like a well-drilled side for whom things are coming naturally, the Dragons look like a team devoid of any confidence and lacking clarity.

The win against Bordeaux-Begles should have been a timely boost to finish the season strongly, especially with some players back fit, but instead it is tailing off.

The next fixture is a dangerous one but perhaps it is just what is needed…

3: The Kings will be eyeing a first scalp

The Dragons are playing poorly at the moment and were beaten by Edinburgh in every facet of the game.

That will give hope to a Southern Kings side who are yet to register a success in their first campaign in the Guinness PRO14.

On Friday they welcome the Dragons to Port Elizabeth and the South Africans will recognise this is their big shot.

If Bernard Jackman & Co don’t up their game then they will be embarrassed but perhaps a week away from Wales will do the squad the power of good.

Reputations are on the line next weekend so the Dragons need to mix team building in South Africa with hard graft to secure a first win since September.

4: Lack of flair

The opening months of the season gave hope with the Dragons playing an expansive game and offloading impressively.

Even in defeats like the derby loss to Cardiff Blues had dazzling moments to provide some hope, but that has vanished.

The Dragons have a good driving lineout but have shown precious little enterprise in recent weeks.

Teenager Rio Dyer has blistering pace but it’s hard to remember him getting the ball in space over the past fortnight. The same goes for Jared Rosser down the other flank.

Hallam Amos came back with a bang versus Glasgow but has been frustrated since, something that won't exactly help his Wales case.

A few line breaks and counter-attacks would do the power of good but at the moment it’s hard to work out what the Dragons’ style is.

5: Depth laid bare

There are several experienced players who are available but not being selected at the moment, a situation that makes it perfectly clear what will happen to them in the summer.

That means that an already thin squad has been made even thinner by Jackman, who needs to get his recruitment spot-on given that his first campaign at the helm has put the heat on for the second.

Other teams have to cope with losing more internationals but the Dragons have gone to pieces without Elliot Dee and Cory Hill while they miss the influence of Brok Harris badly.

Quality is arriving next season in the shape of Richard Hibbard, Ross Moriarty and Rhodri Williams while quantity (and potentially quality) comes in Huw Taylor, Josh Lewis and Jordan Williams.

The Dragons probably need around another seven or eight players who are of first team standard to sign on the dotted line.