NEWPORT Gwent Dragons head coach Kingsley Jones was left to lament familiar failings in enemy territory after a 19-12 defeat to Ulster at Rodney Parade.

The Dragons failed to turn pressure into points as they suffered a first home loss of the season in the Guinness Pro12.

They enjoyed plenty of territory and possession against the Irish title hopefuls but failed to cross the whitewash with captain Rynard Landman held up over the line in the closing stages.

The Dragons have scored just two tries in three home games and their total tally of nine scores is the joint worst in the Pro12 with Zebre.

Jones admitted they need to find a cutting edge: "The boys put a lot into that and there were a lot of positives, especially the defence and the scrum, but in tight games like that you need decisions to go your way.

"Unfortunately they didn't, particularly an offside in the middle of the field when we would have gone in front and the shape of the final 15, 20 minutes changes.

"Having said that, we have to be more clinical and take our chances because we put Ulster under a hell of a lot of pressure but failed to score.

"It's difficult to go into the changing room and criticise the players after the effort that they put in. We've got a few improvements to make but if we keep that attitude each week then we won't be far away."

The Dragons now take a break from the Pro12 and will attempt to spark their season into life when they host Sale in the European Rugby Challenge Cup on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Toulouse are said to have entered the race to sign Wales ace Taulupe Faletau.

Bath are expected to sign the number eight when his contract expires in the summer but the French giants are reportedly set to offer him a £650,000 deal to replace Northampton-bound Louis Picamoles.