OSPREYS coach Steve Tandy has hailed the impact that Dan Lydiate has made at the Ospreys and says the Wales flanker in driving the standards up at the Guinness Pro12 pace-setters, writes Chris Kirwan.

Lydiate returned from a frustrating spell in France with Racing Metro in December and the 27-year-old blindside made his fourth appearance for his new region against his old one when beating Newport Gwent Dragons 22-11 on Sunday.

Lydiate formed an effective partnership with fellow Wales international Justin Tipuric and Canadian number eight Tyler Ardron and played a crucial role in the latter's try when he went on a bullocking run into the Dragons 22.

"Dan is growing," said Tandy. "He was really good against the Dragons and there were moments around him, particularly his defence.

"His ball-carrying is coming along and he's a great character. Dan wants to get better and has been driving standards and I think he's finding his feet.

"There are a few things that he is getting up to speed with but we are delighted with him and it's great to have him here."

Lydiate was joined in the Ospreys XV by fellow ex-Dragons Dan Evans, Richard Fussell and Sam Parry at full-back, wing and hooker respectively.

Evans has enjoyed a super season since heading west in the summer but 23-year-old Parry has had to be more patient for his opportunities with eight of his 13 appearances

being as a replacement.

Tandy said: "Sam has settled in really well and has been a little bit unfortunate that (Wales hooker) Scott Baldwin has done so well for us.

"He has not played as much as he'd like but we feel he is a really good ball carrier and wins turnovers.

"Sam is a young man who is developing and has real potential, we are pleased to have him in our squad."