SAREL Pretorius insists there is plenty for Newport Gwent Dragons to be positive about despite a losing start to the Guinness Pro12 – but admits there is no margin for error on Friday.

The Dragons host Zebre at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.05pm) and will be expected to bag a five-point haul after having to settle for a losing bonus point at Connacht on opening weekend.

They were pushing for victory in the closing stages in Galway, then conceded a length of the field breakaway try, then battled back to earn a penalty that Tom Prydie booted over to earn a consolation from a 29-23 loss.

Pretorius, who scored a try in a lively Dragons debut, believes the way that his new side fought back from 14-3 down at half-time shows both their character and potential.

"The coaches focussed on the positives after the game and we can take plenty from our performance," said the 31-year-old.

"It was great to have a first run out and it always takes time to get combinations right so the more than you play, the more comfortable you become with one another.

"We were disappointed to lose but the guys have kept their heads up. We want to create a winning culture so Zebre is an big step towards that and home games are always important.

"I had a bit of a taste of Rodney Parade (against the Scarlets in pre-season) and I know they are passionate supporters so I am really looking forward to Friday."

Director of rugby Lyn Jones was pleased with the way that his half-backs controlled matters but lamented his side's high error count at the Sportsground.

"I was very pleased with Sarel and Charlie Davies when he came on while Jason Tovey in particular was very good and ran the game as we hoped, but we just couldn't get that platform."

He continued: "The players are very disappointed that we didn't come away with a victory but as a coach you've got to look further into the result and performance. It bodes well.

"When you come to Galway it's a really difficult game and if you commit unforced errors, as we did in the first half to gift them 14 points, it's too much to claw back."

Zebre have chosen to stay in Wales this week after opening up against Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park. The Dragons won the corresponding fixture 25-11 at Rodney Parade last season but were stunned 23-17 in Parma.

The Italian side will be without their 12-strong World Cup contingent but boast Australia scrum-half Luke Burgess in their ranks after his summer arrival from Melbourne Rebels.