DRAGONS boss Dean Ryan believes Will Talbot-Davies' composure in the Rodney Parade rain shows the growth of the young full-back, writes Chris Kirwan.

Wales and Lions star Leigh Halfpenny was supreme for the Scarlets in the Guinness PRO14 derby in Newport last weekend but the home number 15 wasn't far behind.

Talbot-Davies played a key role with a strong carry before Rhodri Williams' first-half try and then his handling down the left wing set Ashton Hewitt in motion before Sam Davies' last-gasp drop goal winner.

The 22-year-old was calm under pressure in the back field and has settled in the side after the injury misfortune of Jordan Williams, who is out for the rest of the season because of ruptured knee ligaments.

Wales sevens international Talbot-Davies has started six games on the spin and is set to continue at full-back in the Boxing Day derby against Cardiff Blues at the Arms Park.

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"Will looks great," said director of rugby Ryan. "As a young fella, a night like it was against the Scarlets against a quality side wouldn't be something you'd relish but he is just growing and growing.

"That's the big thing, what we have done really well this year is that it's just 'next one in, next one in'.

"That has really given some people a big lift in confidence and the performances have materialised on the field."

Talbot-Davies could line up directly against a man who swapped Newport for Cardiff in the summer.

Hallam Amos is one of the Blues' many dangerous runners in the back three and after coming off the bench against the Ospreys at the weekend will hope to break up the partnership of fellow Wales internationals Matthew Morgan, Owen Lane and Josh Adams.

"They are a different side to the Scarlets with a lot of threat in the back line," said Ryan. "Their ability to threaten the line is what does the damage to you off set piece.

"We will take a breath after the Scarlets, spend a bit of Tuesday looking at what we can do and importantly it's also about looking what we can do.

"There is lots that we can still get better and we can play a bit as well."

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The Dragons name their team at midday with Ryan contemplating freshening up a winning team for the plastic pitch in the capital.

"It's a faster track and that's something that we've got to look at," said Ryan.

"We played on one in Worcester a few weeks back and the speed of playing the game is different for us.

"The five-day turnaround is going to be tough for both sides so we will be making changes and bringing in some fresh legs with energy."