THE HEAT is on flanker Dan Lydiate to get straight back to his stunning World Cup form when he returns to the Wales back row in Sunday’s Six Nations encounter with Scotland.

So good was the Newport Gwent Dragons blindside in New Zealand that it was almost unthinkable that someone could wrestle the number six jersey away from him.

Yet Ryan Jones produced a cracking performance when another injury to his troublesome right ankle ruled Lydiate out of last week’s opener with Ireland.

However, a potential selection headache now that the Dragons man is back in full training has been averted by another man’s indiscretion.

Lock Bradley Davies is set to receive a ban today for his off the ball dumping of Donncha Ryan into the turf at the Aviva Stadium, a suspension that will probably lead to coach Warren Gatland moving Jones into the second row.

And Lydiate knows that his performance will come under close scrutiny should, as expected, he return to the starting XV.

“Ryan played so well that it does make you nervous for your place,” said the 24-year-old.

“He put in really big performance and the amount of work that he got through was unbelievable.

“Ryan carried, tackled and hit so many rucks. He is a workaholic and did everything that was asked of him.

“The strength and depth of the squad is really good at the minute.

“It’s good for the coaches and makes you want to train harder than ever to try and make sure you get a place.

“Ryan played superbly so if I get selected I want to play better and make the jersey mine.

“No rugby player is different and he would have been thinking the same last Sunday – Ryan wanted to make his chance count and he did.”

Lydiate is back ready to go “flat out” in training after suffering yet another injury to his right ankle.

The first nearly forced him to return early from the World Cup. He then suffered a fresh blow when back on regional duty against Cavalieri Prato and another problem against the Italian club on January 21.

“It was just sod’s law,” said Lydiate. “No amount of rehab (after the previous injury) or strapping would have prevented it.

“I just got caught under the player that tackled me and I was lucky not to break it looking back at the replay.”

And after watching the tense win against Ireland through his fingers at home in Newport, Lydiate is relishing locking horns with a quality Scottish back row.

“They were on fire against England and it’s going to be a massive test for whoever gets the start,” he said.

“Dave Denton had an awesome game and is a big strong powerful guy and a good carrier, Ross Rennie was making breaks everywhere and Alasdair Strokosch was tackling everything.

“Scotland did everything apart from win against England but this is a great opportunity for them. The pressure won’t be on them so it’s a free hit.”