NEWPORT Gwent Dragons were edged out by Munster in the Guinness Pro12 clash at Rodney Parade. Here are five things we learned from the 20-16 defeat…

1: Those familiar fine margins

Munster just about deserved the win but it could have been the Dragons celebrating had they powered over at the death.

The lineout was won and the drive went on only for Munster to move them towards touch and for Charlie Davies to be smashed when peeling off.

The replacement scrum-half was the hero against Gloucester in the quarter-finals of the European Rugby Challenge Cup last season after barging over but couldn’t repeat the trick.

That meant the Dragons had to settle for a losing bonus point – they got 10 of them last season.

How can they be turned into narrow victories? Investment in the squad, obviously, but that isn’t going to happen so the Dragons must just hope that by sneaking the odd one they break the cycle and have the belief to win games in ‘Fergie Time’.

2: Tremendous tenacity

Dragons supporters don’t ask for much (more of this later) but they do expect blood and thunder from their players. They got this against Munster.

The way that the home side defended was admirable with the back row in particular standing up to the heavy runners of the Irish province.

The defensive determination was encouraging although the tries conceded will frustrate. Jean Kleyn went through a gaping hole just 10 metres out while there was blocking in the build-up to the winner but the Dragons ‘bit’ on Munster’s slick move from the training paddock.

The Dragons certainly couldn’t be criticised for effort, endeavour and fighting spirit but…

3: Not packing a punch

The Dragons showed tenacity to stick in the game against Munster’s bullying approach but didn’t have the big hitters to cause damage themselves.

It’s clear that their desire for an expansive approach has been dictated by the need to move teams around – they will come out second best when slugging it out.

As mentioned above, the Dragons management don’t have a big budget to sign up big units – what they would give for a Nick Williams – so must hope that brains rather than brawn can do the trick.

4: Super support

The crowd of 3,841 was disappointing but that is a situation that has been coming after years of underachievement.

However, what can never be questioned is the loud backing of the home faithful, who were excellent and tried to help their side over the line at the death.

It’s very simple at Rodney Parade – give the fans something to cheer and they will back you to the hilt, it’s a two-way thing.

The supporters showed their appreciation for their side’s efforts at the final whistle despite the disappointment while they also paid a touching tribute to one of their own in the 38th minute.

Applause rang out for Mike Lockey, who raised funds and awareness after being diagnosed with skin cancer, after he passed away last week at the age of 37.

5: Wounded Italians… again

The Dragons were frustrated in round two when Zebre came and spoiled at Rodney Parade, limiting the damage to 11-6 and even having a shot at victory in the closing stages.

The Italians reacted to their opening day hammering at the Ospreys… just like Treviso will on Friday.

They were thrashed 64-10 at the Liberty Stadium and looked a rabble but there is no chance of them performing like that on their own patch.

Make no mistake, Treviso put a ring around their games with the Dragons whenever the fixtures come out and will be very tough on their own patch.

Kingsley Jones’ side frequently underperform when underdogs but Friday’s meeting at the Stadio Comunale di Monigo, where they lost last season, will be a 50/50 call.