Ryan hails Taylor show

DRAGONS director of rugby Dean Ryan has heaped praised on a “brilliant” response from Huw Taylor after the versatile forward moved to the second row to solve their line-out problems against Cardiff.

The 25-year-old impressed in the second row after the Dragons lost both Joe Davies and Ben Carter just after half-time.

Ryan joked he may be forced to play himself with the duo joining Will Rowlands as potential doubts for Saturday’s home clash with Emirates Lions at Rodney Parade, but he believes Taylor could fill that gap after stepping up in the derby last week.

“Huw needs some credit for his performance because that is the second time that he has solved a real line-out problem for us,” said Ryan.

“He has done it once against the Bulls and again against Cardiff with only himself as the option both times.

“Credit to him for keeping the game cohesive.

“He has called a lot at the line-out and has always been very diligent, doing the work and being influential in the week.

“That has given him an opportunity after we talked about him moving into that position.

“He has responded brilliantly.”