Dragons scrum-half Sarel Pretorius scored two first-half tries, with Adam Warren and Charlie Davies crossing after half-time.
Rhys Patchell scored a superb solo effort for the Blues, with Josh Navidi, Macauley Cook and Rhys Williams completing the try scoring in an entertaining 35-28 victory for the Dragons.
"We used our squad in this game and I needed to see players perform. Dragons are in a different place to us because they know their squad inside out while I am still learning about ours," said Wilson.
"This is the first time I have seen a number of these players in action. I have got to look at the squad, and I have got to make sure that we look after certain players ahead of next week.
"Certain players needed a half of rugby and no more. We lost three or four players last week so some lads playing a full game would not have been the right way to go.
"Credit to us, we dug in to the end with a young team and the second half side was more inexperienced than the first."
The Blues kick off their GUINNESS PRO12 campaign at home to Zebre next Sunday, and Wilson is looking forward to the challenge.
"We will learn the lessons of today, we will be better for it and the result," he added. "I am learning about us and so far have seen a pre-season and two trial games.
"I will learn even more against Zebre and it's all about getting better every week. I'm excited about the league opener and I know the players are too."
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Guinness PRO12 Blues News
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