DRAGONS speedster Rio Dyer is relishing the chance to learn on the biggest stage with Wales against France in Paris after avoiding getting dragged down by 'rugby negativity'.
The 23-year-old from Rogerstone will win his sevent cap against Les Bleus, who are hunting a bonus-point win to keep alive their hopes of pipping Ireland to the Six Nations.
Wales are massive underdogs even if they head to the Stade de France after a success in their wooden spoon showdown with Italy in Rome.
The atmosphere will be raucous in Paris and it will be another new experience for novice Dyer.
The winger’s fine form with the Dragons earned a first international call-up in the autumn and he went on to score against the All Blacks on debut then cross again versus Australia.
Wales are blessed with options in the back three but Dyer got the call from Warren Gatland against Ireland, Scotland and Italy, scoring his third Test try in Rome.
The sevens international, whose aerial game has stood out, is now a genuine World Cup contender, even if he has plenty to learn.
“Some of the players you are coming up against have got 50-plus caps,” said Dyer. “You realise the difference between that and someone who is obviously just starting, and that you can be exposed.
“You can’t really switch off at all, and if you give that 10 per cent less you are going to be punished for it. That is the main thing I’ve taken from it.
“Mistakes are going to be made, but it is about what you do after those mistakes are made.
“I am here to try and push my game as far as I can go, and if the mistakes happen then it is my responsibility to put it right.
“Counter-attacking rugby probably favours what I like to do. Going forward into the World Cup, if we can get that nailed on then I think we can cause real damage.”
It has been a turbulent campaign for Wales, who flew to Nice to prepare for Paris after winning in Rome.
They have lost three and won just once, while there was the threat of a players’ strike as off-field issues dominated.
Although a strike was averted ahead of Wales’ appointment with England, the whole saga still left its mark.
“There has been a lot of pressure back in Wales, and for the whole of Welsh rugby it has been a difficult challenge,” said Dyer.
“But we have been out in a different place in the sun, not the snow and rain, and that has brought the morale of the boys up a bit.
“It is a big part of what we are trying to do and what we took to Rome especially, trying to enjoy the rugby in the little moments.
“I play rugby to enjoy it, that’s the main thing. Going out there and leaving all the negativity aside.
“There is rugby negativity everywhere, so try and shut that off as much as you can and just try to focus on what you are here to do and enjoy it as much as you can.”
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