The men from Rodney Parade drew with a 14-man Ospreys side before being beaten 41-20 by the Scarlets on home turf in their first action since lockdown.
Ryan handed a selection of his region’s up-and-coming talent a chance to impress against the Scarlets and despite the defeat he was happy with how they went.
“We got what we knew we’d get,” said Ryan, reflecting on the Scarlets clash.
“We got dusted in the scrum and drive and that wasn’t a surprise because we wanted people to experience that.
“The only way they will get better is by playing at this level and understanding it rather than waiting to experience it.
“I was pleased we were in contention and I was pleased we looked quite comfortable with the ball and caused them some problems.
“The damage had been done for the last 20 minutes and when the senior players came off it was difficult to get control.
“But I am not scratching my head. I haven’t got a magic wand and I can’t make a 21-year-old suddenly compete with Ken Owens.
“What a great experience for Chris Coleman, Josh Reynolds and Max Williams. Now they know what the challenge looks like and they have to come back and compete with that.
“That was very deliberate and now we can look to Bristol.”
Dragons scored tries through Jared Rosser, Taine Basham and Adam Warren with Sam Davies kicking the rest of their points, but they were still well beaten.
Now their attentions must turn to their European Challenge Cup clash with Bristol Bears next month.
