Happy over ‘horrific’ Rodney Parade conditions
before referee Ian Davies decided the New Year’s Day clash would take place.
“In fairness, Ian backed himself, I wasn’t particularly happy, but it’s good the game is done and nobody has been injured (from the conditions),” said Tandy.
Dragons coach Kingsley Jones had a different take on matters, saying it was “absolutely” the right decision to go ahead with the match.
“First and foremost is player safety, but I don’t think there was any danger of anyone getting hurt,” stressed the former Wales captain.
“I respect the refere a lot and he’s in a difficult position with a big call to make. I would have respected his decision either way.
“I don’t think there’s ever been a case of a rugby player drowning on a rugby field. I was just glad to get the game on. It’s New Year’s Day and it’s what you play the game for, big derbies against your rivals.
Jones expressed his dismay the second half – the first was entertaining – degenarated with the Ospreys, who reclaimed second place in the Pro12 two points behind leaders Munster, using their superior kicking game to turn the screw in the difficult conditions.
“They came here to do a job. It was a clinical job by them and unfortunately we weren’t quite as clinical,” he said.
“The difference in winning and losing high-level games is forcing errors, but unfortunately we made four or five too many unforced errors. The difference in the game was their little bit more experience in critical positions.
“I felt a little bit sorry for the crowd, I don’t want to kick the ball, but you have to stick with it against the Ospreys because if you try and play in the wrong areas they will punish you.
“What I’ve said about our game and trying to play expansively, the fundamentals and basics of the game don’t change. You need a scrum and a line-out drive even if you are the Harlem Globetrotters.
“It was a disappointed changing room. The frustration is we did well in many aspects of the game.”
Tandy said: “We found a way to win and were defensively spot-on. It was only 10-0, but I think it was relatively comfortable.
“It wouldn’t have been pretty on the eye, but I don’t think some people realised how bad conditions were.”
He revealed try-scoring sensation Keelan Giles had missed the encounter because of a shoulder injury and won’t be risked against champions Connacht at Swansea’s Liberty Stadium on Saturday unless he’s fully recovered.
“Keelan is touch and go. He’s just a young boy and has got a long career ahead of him; we want to make sure we manage him correctly,” added Tandy.
Winger Hanno Dirksen and centre Kieron Fonotia were substituted after sustaining head injuries unrelated to conditions at Rodney Parade and could sit out the game with Connacht.
But Tandy hopes Ashley Beck and wing Dafydd Howells, who was a late withdrawal at the Dragons after suffering a hamstring twinge in the warm-up, will be available for the clash with the injury-ravaged Irish province.