Wing wonder Rio Dyer has spoken of his delight at giving the Rodney Parade faithful ‘what they deserve’ after playing a starring role as Dragons stunned Connacht on home soil.
Wales international Dyer was named player-of-the-match after his eye-catching display on home soil in the sensational 48-28 triumph in the BKT United Rugby Championship.
Dyer clocked up some impressive stats in the game: 122 metres made, 11 defenders beaten and nine carries.
But after the final whistle his first thoughts were immediately with the home fans who were treated to a pre-Christmas cracker and result they all craved.
“To come back (into the side) and give the fans what they deserve against Connacht was amazing,” he said.
“We've been building to that. There have been so many games that have been draws or we have been in it but lost.
“Against Connacht everything came our way and the boys put in an amazing effort.”
Dyer also reflected on his own approach to the game and revealed how the decision of Head Coach Filo Tiatia to give him a week away from Ystrad Myanch - after his six-week block in Wales camp – had benefited him.
“Sometimes you just need a reset,” said Dyer. “Against Cardiff I had a dead leg and then I was just chasing myself.
“I came into the Connacht week determined to just enjoy it and let the result take care of itself.
“When you get time off it’s about really enjoying it and living in the day, appreciating the little things that you lose touch with because you are so in depth with everything rugby.
“I have a lot of gratitude and can’t thank Filo enough for giving me the week off and then being able to express myself on the field.
“In life, nothing is going to go perfectly all the time,” he added on his own performance.
“I used to beat myself up and try to be perfect, but that is never going to be the case.
“There were times in the Connacht game where I made mistakes, but it wasn't a setback. Let things take control of themselves.
“I dropped the ball but continued to work hard and ended up getting a try. That shows what happens if you just continue to do your best.”
“I am enjoying my rugby, and every day is a blessing,” he concluded.
“I am grateful for the little things and being around the boys, doing something that I love.”
Watch Rio Dyer and the Dragons on New Year's Day as we tackle Scarlets in the BKT United Rugby Championship. Click HERE to buy online or call 01633 670690 - seats are selling fast!
I came into the Connacht week determined to just enjoy it and let the result take care of itself...
