THE Dragons salvaged an 18-18 draw thanks to Josh Lewis’ late penalty in their Guinness PRO14 clash with Southern Kings. Here are the talking points from the clash in Port Elizabeth…

THE STREAK IS OVER… OF SORTS

The Dragons ended their 42-game losing streak on the road in the PRO14 but the wait for a win goes on.

They won’t have many better opportunities than against their fellow strugglers Southern Kings, but their performance just wasn’t good enough.

There was relief at a draw that keeps the Kings within reach in the battle to avoid being Conference B’s bottom team but this was more about a chance to start next season without the hoodoo hanging over them.

Saturday provides a chance against the Cheetahs, who were comprehensively beaten by the Ospreys last weekend, but the Dragons will need their big players to stand tall.

South Wales Argus:

MORE NEEDED FROM MORIARTY

Not enough of the Dragons players produced 7/10 performances, let alone 8 and 9.

If the region are to win on the road then they need a combination of plenty of good displays and a fair few super ones.

In Bloemfontein they could do with Elliot Dee shaking off his rib injury to add vim and vigour, they will need more control from the half-backs, Jordan Williams has probably danced his way into the XV and they will need the Wales version of Ross Moriarty rather than the Dragons one.

The Lions tourist is taking up a sizeable chunk of the budget yet we are still waiting for a stunning performance in the region’s colours.

Moriarty made more mistakes in Port Elizabeth than he did in the entire Grand Slam campaign.

It’s a team sport but when an individual is paid the big bucks then they are under more scrutiny, and it is undeniable that while the 24-year-old is a wonderful player, he just hasn’t given the Dragons value for money.

Ceri Jones will want more from the back rower against the Cheetahs and Scarlets.

CHANCES BLOWN

The Dragons didn’t hit the heights against the Kings yet still look back on missed opportunities.

There was a botched counterattack against a solitary defender, Hallam Amos’ decision to grubber down the left rather than keeping the ball in hand, a sloppy five-metre lineout and the close call when hammering away early in the second half when Taine Basham was centimetres away and Richard Hibbard was held up.

The Dragons have consistently been shipping tries so need to be more clinical in Bloemfontein.

South Wales Argus:

TOUGH CALLS

The Dragons had their chances, so cannot totally blame some harsh decisions, but there were some key flashpoints when the game was tight in the second half.

Rhodri Williams’ try, which was chalked off for a forward pass, would have been given in a Super Rugby game in South Africa. Jack Dixon’s pass looked flat but the wind certainly made it appear very forward.

Then there was another lively break by Jordan Williams when the full-back appeared to have been body-checked after chipping over the top.

Decisions that could easily have gone the Dragons way, yet the Kings no doubt have their grumbles as well.

SPIRIT NEEDS TO BE MATCHED BY ACCURACY

The Dragons showed spirit to keep going and earn a draw after things had looked grim at 18-8, when tempers were flaring.

More character will be needed at the Cheetahs and it needs to be matched by accuracy because things were too ragged at times in Port Elizabeth.

A week in camp means there is no excuse for not getting the fine details spot-on at Free State Stadium.

A draw against the Kings is a frustrating result but a draw and a win would represent a successful tour.