“I thought some of our attacking game was outstanding,” Ryan told the Dragons’ website following the Welsh region's three tries on Friday night. “In the second half we played fast against a good side and they struggled.

“We are going to make some mistakes when we play that fast, but that is the way we have to play. I was pleased with that element.

“Some of our youngsters were outstanding and some of our attack was threatening against what is a very good Lyon side.

“You can’t move a frantic game into an organised one, we have to live with that, and we will make some mistakes.

“But if we play organised, against a team like that, we won’t win. We have got to make that decision and I am happy to stand here and defend them.”

He pointed out that Dragons weren’t able to compete against Lyon when it comes to sheer power – so they needed an alternative strategy.

“They are a top four side in the TOP 14 and it’s no surprise that they have a strong front five and were as big as they were,” he explained. “We had to find a different way to play.

“Our confidence is good and we are stable. You don’t play like that unless you have confidence and I will support them through all the challenges that we face.”

Dragons director of rugby Dean Ryan defended his side’s “fast and frantic” approach against Lyon in Round 2 of the EPCR Challenge Cup, after they had succumbed to a 41-28 home defeat.