After their defeat to Ireland in Dublin, Gatland warned his players to raise their level of performance and they did just that at the Millennium Stadium as tries from George North and skipper Sam Warburton guided Wales home.
“The one thing I’ve learnt in my career is I never count on anything – I am always nervous for every selection,” said flanker Lydiate, who made 15 tackles against Les Bleus.
“I don’t think that will ever change and that’s what keeps me and the squad on their toes.
“We are just thankful Gats gave us another chance.”
After becoming a father at the end of January, Lydiate has been enjoying life in the fast lane. And with Wales now firmly back in the Championship hunt, the Racing Metro man is set for a big final two weekends with clashes against England and Scotland to come.
“My personal life’s going really well with the little one. There are ups and downs with rugby but Friday was a massive up,” he added.
“Every player has his own reasons for playing the game. There is that history and your families and everything. You want to do yourself proud every time you play.
“In Dublin we didn’t do that and it’s nice to restore that pride back in the jersey.”
Wales’ supreme first half performance was enough to earn them victory on Friday, North’s close-range effort and the boot of Leigh Halfpenny pulling them 14 points clear at the break. In a tighter second half, Warburton’s effort proved crucial but Lydiate and the rest of the Welsh squad know there’s plenty more to do if the team are to retain a third consecutive title.
Wales currently sit third in the Championship, level on points with France, Ireland and England.
“We take each game as it comes but England are playing well at the minute and to go up to Twickenham and get a result would be massive for us,” said Lydiate.
