But then the power and experience of the team that took the Premiership title for the first time in their history last season came through and they were able to add four tries in the final half-an-hour without response to move clear.
It meant a third straight defeat in pre-season for Bernard Jackman’s men, but there were plenty of encouraging signs for the new head coach ahead of the big Guinness PRO14 kick-off against his former club, Leinster, on 2 September.
Despite conceding seven tries, the Dragons’ defensive system frustrated the Chiefs for long periods and influence of new signing Zane Kirchener, Wales wing Hallam Amos and outside half Angus O’Brien ensured the visitors were always looking to make the most of their chances in attack.
Having suffered a virus in the camp during the week, laying low some 14 players, it was a remarkably resilient effort from Jackman’s men who now have one final warm-up fixture against Glasgow warriors at Eugene Cross Park on Friday afternoon.
Amos made the running for the first of two tries from Adam Warren and then O’Brien chipped ahead for the international centre to grab his second. O’Brien converted both and it was 21-14 to the home side at the break.
The Chiefs added a fourth try three minutes into the second half, but back came the Dragons with two tries in five minutes to cut the gap to four points at 28-24. Adam Hughes crossed in the left corner for the first and then Sarel Pretorius snapped up the second after a Dorian Jones chip had caused havoc in the home defence.
After that the Chiefs reverted to type and used the power of their pack to strike from close range. Thomas Waldrom and Gareth Steenson crossed before James Short and Michele Campagnaro added two more while Nic Cudd was in the sin-bin.
