Tough return for ace Dan Lydiate (From South Wales Argus)

Tough return for ace Dan Lydiate

6:00am Saturday 23rd March 2013 in Latest Rugby By Chris Kirwan

LIONS hopeful Dan Lydiate has the Scarlets in his sights after making his long-awaited Newport Gwent Dragons comeback last night.

The blindside flanker’s return was the one positive from a grim evening in Swansea as the Ospreys romped to a 52-19 RaboDirect Pro12 win.

After six months out after suffering a broken ankle against Edinburgh at Rodney Parade in September, the 25-year-old played the first half before coming off as planned.

Lydiate will now spearhead the Dragons' charge against the Scarlets at the Millennium Stadium next Saturday.

He said: “The result wasn’t the best, but personally I was really happy with how it went.

"It was nice to be back out there, I was blowing a bit and I was glad to come off at half-time but it has been nearly six months since I last played and I really enjoyed it.

"I am happy with how it went and hopefully I can build on that. I am not fully match fit, but I felt strong in contact and it is just a matter of timing.

"I slipped off a few tackles but it was a massive confidence booster to come off the field in one piece."

Lydiate will be hoping that a strong end to the season can secure a place on the British and Irish Lions' summer tour of Australia, a cause aided by Wales boss Warren Gatland being the man calling the shots.

Lydiate said: "If I am to have any chance of going I need to find my form pretty quick, but I am just happy with how today went and I will work hard over the coming weeks.

"It's a dream for any player to go on a Lions tour, but I am not focusing on that at the minute.

"If you do that something will happen, you may get injured or lose form. I just need to get back fit and try and have a good run before the end of the season."