THE Dragons suffered a 23-15 loss to Cardiff Blues at Rodney Parade, a 22nd successive derby loss in the Guinness PRO14. Here are the talking points from the clash in Newport…

THE GAP IS STILL LARGE

Nobody expects the Dragons to rapidly go from the bottom to being peers with the Scarlets, Cardiff Blues and Ospreys.

They have made some progress but so has everyone else and the gap seemed as big as ever as the clock ticked down on Saturday.

Cardiff Blues were more than good value for their win and their captain Ellis Jenkins lamented their failure to bag a four-try bonus when he conducted his post-match media duties.

The Dragons, meanwhile, said they feel closer to their rivals, that they are sure the long derby losing streak will end soon.

It was the same script as Wales players use after being beaten by the All Blacks.

This was a big chance to change the record against a Blues side still getting to grips with the demands and methods of a new coach.

The Dragons got the perfect start but were strangled in the second half, deprived of the ball and pinned inside their half.

Supporters are asked to be patient, but that’s not easy after 22 disappointments.

DISAPPOINTING FIRST BLOCK

With four games at home the Dragons would have wanted more from the first six fixtures of the season.

They wanted to turn Rodney Parade into a fortress – or should that be a castle given the horrendous new-look changing room – but their walls have already been scaled twice.

Benetton are a strong side and were deserving winners on opening weekend and the same applies for Cardiff Blues.

However, if the Dragons are to gain more respect from the rest of the PRO14 then they need to be claiming a scalp or two.

This derby was a chance for the region to make a big statement but instead it was a familiar tale.

The wins against Southern Kings and Zebre mean that it’s not been a disastrous start but it could have been so much better, leaving the Dragons with points to catch up.

GRIFFITHS SURELY VALE-BOUND

The back row battle between Aaron Wainwright, Ollie Griffiths and Ross Moriarty and Josh Navidi, Ellis Jenkins and Nick Williams was huge.

The Blues probably got the better of things, especially with the work they did in disrupting the Dragons’ attacking ball.

Ross Moriarty is still yet to cut loose with ball in hand – and needs to watch himself with the officials – and Aaron Wainwright hasn’t been as eye-catching as he was last year, partly because the level of his teammates’ displays isn’t as low.

But Griffiths was once again superb and the openside has been the pick of the Dragons’ players this season.

The 23-year-old has one cap and will surely get a chance to add to it by impressing Warren Gatland at Wales’ Vale Resort headquarters.

Griffiths caused the Blues plenty of problems, especially in the first half. That’s no mean feat against such distinguished rivals.

LACK OF BENCH IMPACT

The pattern is familiar this season – the clock hits 50 minutes and Bernard Jackman changes his front row.

With Brok Harris/Ryan Bevington, Elliot Dee/Richard Hibbard and Leon Brown/Aaron Jarvis/Lloyd Fairbrother, the Dragons have more depth.

South Wales Argus:

(Taken off too early? Brandon Nansen carrying hard)

Yet the move didn’t really work against the Blues with the hosts seeming to be more shaky when the changes were made.

Jackman also brought off lock Brandon Nansen, replacing the hefty Samoan with Huw Taylor, who has a loose forward’s build.

Could the head coach have delayed the planned changes by 10 minutes?

TIGHT WORK TO BE DONE

Last season the driving lineout was a weapon and the scrum was solid, this year they are faltering.

Forwards coach Ceri Jones and Jackman have work to do because they have the players but things aren’t quite clicking, the new combinations aren’t quite working.

“The areas that aren’t performing as well as we would like at the moment, the scrum and lineout maul, were very strong last year,” admitted Jackman.

“It’s just a case of getting the new personnel up to speed and making that a weapon because as the weather gets worse that’s going to be a key part of the game. We know we have the ability to fix it and we will.”

The need to do that is likely to mean a strong side is sent on the long trip to Romania, one that starts on Thursday with a return on Sunday.