Co-captain Angus O’Brien urged Dragons to take confidence from a 'massive performance' and now build after pushing Munster all the way in a tense and closely-fought BKT United Rugby Championship encounter in Cork.
Tries from Brodie Coghlan and David Richards had put the Men of Gwent ahead before the home side battled back in strong winds.
A late kick from home fly half Tony Butler with five minutes to go broke visiting resistance and meant Dragons left with a losing bonus point in a 22-20 defeat.
But O’Brien believes the manner of the performance on the road in horrendous conditions was a huge positive for Dragons to now build upon.
“I couldn’t be prouder of the boys and it sort of feels like it is one that got away,” said O’Brien.
“First half I thought we built our way into the game well, put Munster under a lot of pressure and we were unlucky not to get the try that was disallowed too.
“I thought it was a massive performance from the boys. To come out to Munster is never easy, so to narrowly miss out like that just shows where we are at as a group.
“We could have won that game, so I am immensely proud and we have got to take confidence from that and take the positives to roll into a Welsh derby with Ospreys next weekend.”
Dragons produced a performance that mixed superb attacking moments with a resolute and hard-working defence in Ireland.
“It was an amazing kick chase from Tinus (de Beer) and Dai (Richards) was there to support him, and he did extremely well to finish that try,” said O’Brien reflecting on a stunning second half score.
“The defensive effort we produced just shows the heart in this team. I was so proud of the work the boys put in.
“We have come away to Munster full of confidence and we were unlucky not to get the win.
“We’ve got to take confidence from the fact we can come away from home to these places and compete and win games.
“It’s an exciting time for this group and we are on the right path.
“It’s a Welsh derby (with Ospreys) next up and they are always packed houses so it’s an exciting game that we are looking forward to.”
I thought it was a massive performance from the boys. To come out to Munster is never easy, so to narrowly miss out like that just shows where we are at as a group...
