Six Nations 2021: Wales ace Dan Lydiate warns Ireland he is fired up after Stephen Ferris roasting
DAN LYDIATE warned Ireland he is now better than ever as he hit back at Stephen Ferris.
Former Ireland and Lions back-row Ferris slammed Wales head coach Wayne Pivac’s decision to bring 33-year-old flanker Lydiate back into Test rugby for the first time since 2018.
Ferris said of Lydiate: “I think his best years are behind him and I wouldn’t have any bother saying that to his face.
“Running around diving at people’s feet will only get you so far.”
Lydiate responded: “I obviously think I'm a better player.
"If I was playing bad rugby, I wouldn’t have been selected. I've been given an opportunity and I’ve got to do my speaking on the field.
“Everyone will have their opinion, but I’m going to go out there and do what I do.”
Lydiate has come straight in from the cold to start against Ireland in what is the most experienced Welsh starting XV ever in terms of caps with 874.
Lydiate broke his neck playing for the Dragons aged just 19 in 2007 so he knows all about second chances. He is determined to take his latest opportunity after being handed a shock Wales return.
Ahead of his Six Nations return, he added: “I don't think you ever give up hope, but you have to be realistic as well.
“It has been a tough couple of years since I have been involved in the national squad.
“This year I seem to have turned the corner. To get another chance here is a massive bonus.”
Wales have George North at centre to face Ireland with Jonathan Davies’ ankle injury ruling him out of the first two rounds of the Six Nations.
Louis Rees-Zammit and Hallam Amos are on the wings.
Veteran forwards Alun Wyn Jones and Ken Owens are fit to start.
Wales fly-half Dan Biggar also hit out at Ferris’ criticism of Lydiate.
Biggar said: “I’ve seen a few bits from one or two people saying Dan’s form isn’t particularly good, but if you’d been watching some of the games this year he may have changed his opinion.
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“He is probably the form player in Wales over the last six months. It’s great to have him back. We know what his strengths are.
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“His physicality is what we need in terms of muscling up against a very experienced and dynamic Irish pack.
“If anything, those comments are going to hopefully act as a motivational factor.”
