Head Coach Filo Tiatia praised the ‘outstanding’ performance of back row Harri Keddie in the victory over Connacht Rugby – a display that gives him plenty of selection decisions for the Boxing Day derby with Cardiff Rugby.
The Men of Gwent secured a first BKT United Rugby Championship win of the season with a stunning home show – with the recalled Keddie a central figure.
The back row made 16 tackles – better only by team-mate Harry Beddall (23) – and beat four defenders in an all-action display.
"Harri was outstanding,” said Tiatia. “He came off the bench in the last couple of outings and was asking when he was going to get a start.
"He took his opportunity and Waino [Wainwright] was outstanding against Lyon, so there is some good competition there.
“Players like Woody (Ryan Woodman) have also been very good and there is good competition with front rows too.
“It was pleasing to see our scrum make some good shifts. We've still got a lot of work to do, but they’ve worked really hard, so I’m really pleased with them.”
Tiatia also praised the performances of hooker George Roberts and tighthead Cebo Dlamini who made their first appearances for the club from the bench.
“I’m really pleased for both of them,” added Tiatia. “It’s George’s first time in this environment and he has stepped up.
“For Cebo it’s only his second URC appearance and he also played recently in Europe in the Champions Cup game with Toulouse.
“They're just growing with more experience and I was really pleased for both of them to get on and make a positive impact.”
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He came off the bench in the last couple of outings and was asking when he was going to get a start... He took his opportunity.
