KINGSLEY Jones has demanded that Newport Gwent Dragons show the same fighting spirit that pushed Munster to the limit when they attempt to end their Guinness Pro12 away drought on Friday, writes Chris Kirwan.

The Dragons head to Treviso on the back of a 20-16 home loss to the Irish province when their tenacious display earned the approval of the Newport crowd, who a week earlier had been disgruntled with an 11-6 success against Zebre.

They were pushing for a winner at the death only for Munster to repel their driving lineout and leave them having to settle for the consolation of a losing bonus point.

Jones will now attempt to mastermind a first Pro12 away win since April 2015 – a 32-17 success in Treviso – when they travel to take on a side who were thrashed 64-10 by the Ospreys on Saturday evening.

"It's the same hard lines story for us and we were a moment away at the end from being in a different place with a different changing room and different atmosphere," said the head coach.

"But there were lots of things that were very good and I had to go in the changing room a bit more positive in many respects than the previous week against Zebre.

"The disappointment is that we haven't won and we have to change the mindset; we have to be realistic of where we are but we have got to win that game.

"The crowd were outstanding and they helped us a lot, particularly at the end. We are at home and have to take advantage of that. It's a very good Munster side but we have got to beat those teams."

"The challenge is to transfer quickly to Treviso. There was a lot of good in that game and we can't drop below that standard," he contued.

"If we other sides like that, and with some improvements, then we will get the wins we are looking for but we have to bring that every week, we can't just turn up live on Sky Sports and put in a good shift. We have to bring that and a little bit more."

Jones praised the performance of Angus O'Brien, who stepped in at fly-half when Nick Macleod suffered an ankle injury kicking in the warm-up.

The summer recruit from Sale will be assessed this week ahead of the trip to Italy while the management have to weigh up their options at hooker following a strong display by Rhys Buckley. Former Wales hooker Rhys Thomas missed the Munster game with a neck injury, joining Elliot Dee (ankle) on the sidelines, but could be back in the mix for Treviso.

"Rhys (Buckley) has struggled a bit with injury in the past and has never really been given an opportunity because we have two very good hookers in Rhys (Thomas) and Elliot, who we believe will play for Wales," said Jones. "But Rhys Buckley took his chance and did really well."