A scoreline of 42-26 does not really show it but Dragons are a tougher nut to crack this season.
They lost by a double-digit margin in the URC for the first time since November when eventually worn down by Lions in Johannesburg.
Dragons, like Cardiff, did leave South Africa with something to show for their efforts thanks to both centre Aneurin Owen and wing Rio Dyer crossing for doubles.
The unflashy Owen has become a huge figure for the Rodney Parade club with telling contributions on both sides of the ball.
There are more high-profile names in the squad but arguably the 25-year-old inside centre is the player that Dragons would struggle to replace most if injury misfortune struck.
Owen will be a key figure in the run-in as Filo Tiatia’s side attempt to finish above Scarlets and end their URC away drought at bottom club Zebre on Friday, 24 April.
Despite improved recent performances, they have not won away in the league since beating Scarlets in April 2022, while their last league victory outside Wales was at Connacht in October 2021.
First, though, is the bid to cause an upset in the Challenge Cup on Easter Sunday when they travel to face Stade Francais at Stade Jean Bouin, scene of one of their finest moments when winning 38-22 in October 2014.
Recent displays suggest Dragons can give it a real crack, although they do have scrum-half worries.
With Che Hope already out for the season, Niall Armstrong and Rhodri Williams both suffered head injuries against Lions.
