Bernard Jackman has pleaded with long-suffering Dragons fans for more of their deep supplies of patience as their winless streak in all-Welsh matches continues.
The Dragons’ long wait for a regional derby win in the Guinness Pro 14 goes on after they were stung by a second half revival by the Blues at the weekend.
Two tries in the first quarter saw the home side race into a 12 point lead, but they were beaten 23-15 in the end as the Blues hit back with two tries in five minutes just after the hour mark.
It means the Dragons have now gone 22 matches without a win over another Welsh region, but not for the first time since he took charge, head coach Jackman urged: “The supporters just need to stick with us. We will stick together and we will get better, turning that effort and hunger into wins.
“The only way to do that is by being better at the detail and having areas of the game where you are dominant, and we just didn’t have enough of them.
“Everyone is impatient but we have got good players who want to do well for the Dragons, the dressing room is incredibly disappointed. They are passionate about this region and we have got a young team who will grow up together.
“It’s frustrating because you always want that instant success but you don’t always get it.”
A try in each half from wing Owen Lane and a masterclass from Gareth Anscombe steered the Blues to a third-successive win this season and a seventh in a row over the Dragons.
“There are a few different things that we need to tick off this season, namely getting an away win and winning a Welsh derby,” added the former Ireland hooker.
“This was the first opportunity and there are five more, maybe the away win will be in a Welsh derby.
“We put a ring around this game because we felt it was a great opportunity but life isn’t always as easy as you want it to be.”
Anscombe kicked two mighty penalties at the start of the second half to haul his side back to within a point and then made a 40 metre break that paved the way for Lane’s second score.
Blues coach John Mulvihill believes Anscombe is being motivated by a determination to finally become first choice No.10 for Wales – a status he has yet to achieve for any lasting period following his move from New Zealand five years ago.
“One of his goals at the start of the season is that he wanted to be an international 10,” said Mulvihill.
Anscombe has started four games for the Blues this season with fellow fly-half Jarrod Evans missing through illness.
“The way it has happened with Jarrod being out he has had an opportunity to start a number of games at 10,” said Mulvihill.
“Hopefully he has put his hand up for selection because it is something that he really wants, but more than it is good for Welsh rugby.
“He is a real organiser, he is quick, is a good defender and got a great kick. So he is the all-round package for us.”
