THE Dragons suffered a 35-18 defeat to Edinburgh in the Guinness PRO14 on Friday. Here are five things from the loss at Myreside...

1: TMO TROUBLE

Edinburgh probably would have won anyway but it could have been a one-point game had Harri Keddie’s ‘try’ not been chalked off.

It looked extremely harsh for the TMO to tell South African official Stuart Berry – who had a pretty good game – that wing Hallam Amos’ boot had touched the touchline before he offloaded to the number eight.

South Wales Argus:

The score was 20-12 at the time and it should be pointed out that the Dragons still closed to within two points with a brace by Gavin Henson.

However, a try would have given the visitors a lift and shown that they are on the right track in attack.

2: DEFENSIVE HOLES

Some of the running by Edinburgh, and especially full-back Blair Kinghorn, was delightful but they were given far too much space.

The midfield defence was particularly troublesome with the O’Brien-Henson-Morgan axis looking shaky. The last of those trio needs to sharpen up in defence if he is to fulfil his potential with Wales.

It’s still early days in the reign of defence coach Hendre Marnitz but his pupils need to learn fast.

3: HEWITT ON THE RUN

Ashton Hewitt was sorely missed in the second half of last season and adds an extra dimension when on the wing.

The 22-year-old made some lovely breaks and caused Edinburgh all manner of problems with his elusive running.

Hallam Amos also looked brighter on the left but the Dragons must now work hard to show a cutting edge when in promising positions.

4: DEE TAKING HIS CHANCE

Elliot Dee is another who is pleased to be at the start of a fresh campaign after being plagued by injury misfortune in 2016/17.

The hooker is no young prospect anymore but at 23 still has time on his side to force his way back into the thinking of the Wales management.

He put in a solid performance against a formidable Leinster tight five and improved further against an Edinburgh front five featuring a quartet of Scotland internationals and Italy loosehead Michele Rizzo.

Good at the nut and bolts as well as energetic around the park, Dee has been handed the 2 jersey against Leinster and Edinburgh and it would be a surprise if he doesn’t keep his spot for Connacht.

Rhys Buckley, Gerard Ellis and Liam Belcher will have to shine when their opportunities arrive.

5: STEEP LEARNING CURVE

Tighthead Leon Brown and number eight Harri Keddie are extremely bright prospects who are starting in the pack but they were joined by even greener players.

Scrum-half Owain Leonard was an unused replacement last season at Myreside but this time had a 70-minute shift after Charlie Davies suffered a head injury. The 19-year-old is himself being pushed hard by Dan Babos, who toured South Africa with Wales Under-18s this summer.

Max Williams made a cameo in the back row against Leinster on opening weekend and came off the bench at half-time as a replacement for James Thomas.

The pair acquitted themselves well and should prosper from the experience with Jackman sure to give youth a chance this season.

Dee, Brown, James Benjamin, Keddie, Angus O'Brien, Tyler Morgan, Hallam Amos, Ashton Hewitt, Leonard and Williams have varying levels of regional experience but are all under 24.

With Ollie Griffiths and Jack Dixon also to come back in, the youth in his ranks must be hugely exciting for Jackman.