Yet, even though he saw his side lose a 15-5 lead in the first-half, Ponty coach Lynn Howells believes his side can compete with the best as the season develops.
“We played away from home against a side with 13 internationals and I think we proved we are capable of playing in that environment,” said Howells after the 31-18 Donnybrook defeat.
“We had enough possession, and created enough chances, buit we were naieve. it’s frustrating because we should have won.
“We kicked badly and gave them the ball far too often. That allowed them to run back at us.”
O’Driscoll didn’t need any second invitation to show off his skills and he scored tries either side of the interval and made the fifth for fellow Lion Malcolm O’Kelly.
To their credit, Ponty conjured up two tries and will have been pleased to have seen Neil Jenkins back in harness after a three year break.
Jenkins came on as a 60th minute replacement for Ceri Sweeney and looks ready to make an emotional homecoming at Sardis Road against Newport on Satruday night.
