DAN Lydiate has been hailed by Welsh coach Warren Gatland after his “ferocious commitment” saw him recover from injury to play a leading role in Wales’ 22-10 World Cup quarter-final victory over Ireland.
The 23-year-old from Abbey-cwm-hir made a massive impact on the game, with the blindside flanker’s 28 tackles the most in the game, as Wales booked a semi-final with France this Saturday.
The Newport Gwent Dragons star has earned rave reviews for his performances in the national shirt, but his World Cup dream was in tatters after sustaining ankle ligament damage against Samoa.
Lydiate’s World Cup dream was left in the hands of the Welsh coaching team, who regarded Lydiate’s role as too important to send him home and opted to try an intensive two week programme.
The gamble paid off with Lydiate forming an excellent partnership in the back row, with Welsh skipper Sam Warburton and Toby Faletau to inspire the Welsh to an historic victory.
Gatland led the tributes after the game with Lydiate now just 80 minutes away from a World Cup Final and etching his name into the record books of international rugby forever more.
“In the dressing room afterwards I think Dan was that tired he couldn't take his shirt off,” said Gatland.
“He did what we asked - he emptied the tank. He hadn't played for a few weeks, but he has worked so hard off the field.”
Lydiate reflected: “I was gutted to get injured, but it's part and parcel of the game.
“There was a chance I would be going home, but I tried to do everything in my power for that not to happen. I was happy to get on the field again.
“It was no more than anyone else would do, really. It was about being diligent with icing times and being on time with physio appointments, but every rugby player would be the same, I guess.
“I didn't leave anything in the tank out there, but it is all about getting the result. Every time you put the jersey on that's what you want.
“I just wanted to go flat out as long as I could, chuck my body in there, and I got through it, just about.
“It is hard to put into words what this all means. There were a few tears and that afterwards. We are just so happy.”
Lydiate's performance was showcased in defence, where Wales produced a memorable display during the first half, especially, by nullifying Ireland's attack, both wide out and at close quarters.
“In the first 40 minutes, we defended for our lives, Our conditioning really got us through it.
“The Irish back row are big powerful men, and it was a case of trying to stop them before they get going. The likes of Sean O'Brien and Stephen Ferris, once they get going they take a lot of stopping.
“At half-time it was a case of just keeping going. We had to keep our composure and keep plugging away. The boys really put their hands up in defence."
Lydiate assured Welsh supporters - including his family back in Mid Wales - that all focus had since shifted to preparing for the semi-final with France, who beat a poor England team to make the last four.
“We have got to be getting ready for the weekend. It won't go to our heads. We are out here to do a job.”