Newport Gwent Dragons coach Paul Turner said he was proud of his side's efforts regardless of their 40-19 loss to Toulouse.
Dragons boss thinks 40-19 scoreline flattered European champions
Newport Gwent Dragons' Heineken Cup hopes may have disappeared for another season after their loss to Toulouse but coach Paul Turner said he was proud of his side's efforts regardless.
The Welsh region lost 40-19 to the reigning European champions at Rodney Parade in Pool Six.
Turner felt the scoreline flattered Toulouse, although ultimately there was no disguising their class and quality, especially in the second half.
Thierry Dusautoir, Maxime Medard and Louis Picamoles all scored tries for the French giants, while fly-half David Skrela kicked 19 points and Florian Fritz converted two penalties when Skrela was in the sin-bin.
Fly-half Matthew Jones contributed 14 points for the Dragons and full back Will Harries bagged a consolation try, but the home side's anticipated struggle was realised.
"The magnitude of the score line probably didn't do justice to our effort," said Turner.
"We were on the savage end of a huge penalty count, and against quality sides like Toulouse if you give them an inch they will take a mile.
"It didn't seem we were coming out on the right end of any decision. Toulouse had quality everywhere, but I felt we were much closer to them than the scoreline suggests.
"You have got to take your chances when they come, but I am proud of our efforts again. Our defence is getting tighter every week, but we have got to learn to keep the ball for longer periods."
Under pressure
Toulouse top Pool Six after two straight wins, although Wasps will close the gap if they beat Glasgow on Sunday.
Try scorer Harries echoed his coach's sentiments, adding: "It felt like we were under pressure for most of the game. They were attacking us and had a lot of the ball, although I thought the scoreline was closer than it actually was - it feels a bit harsh.
"We will look at how we can improve and hopefully become a better team as a result. It is disappointing, but we will take some positives from the game."
