DRAGONS boss Dai Flanagan admits there is frustration at being in a familiar position near the bottom of the table after the first block of the United Rugby Championship.

The Rodney Parade club suffered a 31-7 defeat to Connacht on Saturday in a low-quality encounter in Galway.

The hosts ran in five tries while all the Dragons could muster was a consolation score by Taine Basham late on that saved them from the ignominy of being nilled.

Flanagan’s side started the season with a last-gasp win against the Ospreys but have since lost all five, claiming three bonus points.

That leaves them one-from-bottom of the URC, level on points with last-placed Zebre Parma and three points behind the Ospreys and Stormers.

FRUSTRATED: Dragons boss Dai FlanaganFRUSTRATED: Dragons boss Dai Flanagan (Image: Tyler Miller/Huw Evans Agency)

“It was a frustrating game for us,” said Flanagan. “The fundamentals of the game let us down at times and a slow start in the first half.

“We missed opportunities and three shots in the 22 in the first half to score and get points on the board.

“Our kicking game was exceptional to get us plenty of territory but we didn’t take advantage, particularly in the second half when we had lots of possession and time in the Connacht 22.

“We’ve competed in games throughout this block, been a point here or there off getting more.

“We have got to be frustrated that we have not taken more from it and we have got to learn to take opportunities.”

The Dragons now have a break for the autumn internationals and return to action against Cardiff on November 30.

That is followed by Challenge Cup encounters with Montpellier and Newcastle, then the festive derbies against Cardiff and the Scarlets.

“The message now to the players is to regroup and reset,” said Flanagan. “We have a chance to freshen up the group with some players coming back for this next block.

“The next block is the Welsh derbies and Europe, it’s the highlight of the season for many, so we have got to ensure we make it count and get both performances and results.”

The Dragons hope to have Wales hooker Elliot Dee, Tonga back rower Solomone Funaki and centre Harri Ackerman back from injury after the upcoming break.

Winger Ashton Hewitt is also working his way back from ruptured knee ligaments.