The Dragons beat Zebre 35-14 at Rodney Parade

The Dragons got back to winning ways in the United Rugby Championship with a 35-14 win over Zebre in Newport.

Back-to-back derby defeats to the Ospreys had somewhat blemished the solid start to the campaign by Filo Tiatia's team, making it important they finished the first block of fixtures with victory.

And while it was far from perfect against the league's basement side, who had lost all four matches to begin the season, the Men of Gwent managed to get the job done at Rodney Parade.

That victory moved them into the top eight of the URC.

With five players in Wales camp and a dozen injured, a much-changed Dragons side avoided a potential banana skin to earn a bonus point victory.

Wing David Richards, making his first appearance of the season, opened the scoring after just six minutes, going past two defenders to score.

The Dragons' other wing, Anzelo Tuitavuki, doubled their lead just before the half-hour mark.

The summer signing crossed once again, making it five straight matches in which the Tongan international has scored.

His compatriot, centre Fine Inisi, moved the Dragons further in front - with the player of the match put through a gap by centre partner Joe Westwood.

Zebre hit back with a score from close range by Matteo Canali.

Nine minutes from time, Wales international Cai Evans latched onto a kick through to seal the Dragons' bonus point try.

There was another consolation score for the Italians through Tobias Wade.

But the final word would go to the Dragons, who got a fifth score at the death after a maul brought them a penalty try.