Dean Ryan hailed the performance of man-of-the-match Taine Basham after his all-action show in the 13-10 win over Toyota Cheetahs in the Guinness PRO14.
Basham only returned from Wales camp at the end of the week, but was at his brilliant best all over the field.
And Director of Dragons Rugby Ryan was thrilled with his 20-year-old tyro and the way he is combining international and regional duties.
“I think the big challenge for Taine is that in your first international camp he’s coming backwards and forwards,” he said.
“He’ll be getting huge highs in his first international environment, running opposition plays for England and France and then coming back on a Friday to play for the club. It’s a real challenge.
“It’s a real emotional rollercoaster. So, to get performances like that from a young man is incredibly impressive and he looked head and shoulders above everyone else today.
“You don’t need to be a rugby enthusiast to understand who was man-of-the-match,” he added.
“Everyone in the stadium would have picked him and fully deservedly.
“Full credit to him for dealing with the bumpy weeks he’s having and putting those performances in.”
Ryan is also hoping that fly half Sam Davies has done enough for international recognition after another eye catching show in horrid weather conditions.
“I hope he is involved with Wales - it would give him a chance to play on a nice dry pitch,” smiled Ryan.
“It’s been difficult for Sam over the last two weeks, trying to be a 10 and playing rugby in those conditions out there today.
“I don’t think he won’t be selected or non-selected from the last two weeks, some of his kicking today kept us in really good field position and that was it.
“Today wasn’t about being that precise and not making many mistakes and Sam did that better than most today."
Dragons are back in action on Friday evening when we face Benetton Rugby in a re-arranged Guinness PRO14 clash at Rodney Parade (kick-off 7.35pm). Please note, ALL original match tickets remain valid. To buy tickets for the fixture call 01633 674990 or click HERE
To get performances like that from a young man is incredibly impressive and he looked head and shoulders above everyone else today...
