Hammett: Anscombe on the up for Cardiff Blues

Anscombe, who arrived at BT Sport Cardiff Arms Park from his native New Zealand earlier this season, kicked a pair of goals and created Cory Allen's try as the Blues beat Newport Gwent Dragons 11-9.

Starting at fly-half, the 23-year-old was a leading light as Hammett's side hit back after their Boxing Day defeat to the Dragons and prevented their Welsh rivals from moving above them in the GUINNESS PRO12.

And Hammett revealed his delight at the way Anscombe has settled in at the club so swiftly.

"Gareth certainly can spark a back line," he told the club website. "Not just with his ability to run, but also his flatness of pass.

"I felt he controlled things pretty well and I think that is game number five for Gareth in the league.

"He is starting to learn more and know how he can direct us, the calibre of player we have and how we can play the game.

"He has fitted in really well and has been like a sponge as he looks to take it all in. He's the first player on the training paddock and last off to try and improve his game."

With that result, Cardiff have now won three of their last four GUINNESS PRO12 outings and the boss believes the supporters have played an important role in discovering that form.

"I thought it was an incredible atmosphere," Hammett added. "Over the last two weeks I have got a real understanding what these derby matches mean to the players. The sacrifices they make around this time of year is outstanding.

"It wasn't all pretty, but there was no lack of intensity. It was a good display and people should be happy with what they saw.

"I thought our kicking game and chase was much better this week. I thought the Dragons played the dark arts of the contact area very well and out did us last week. But I felt we generally controlled that area."

Follow us on Facebook, join the conversation on Twitter, sign up to our YouTube channel for extensive match highlights and sign up for our newsletter for regular updates on the GUINNESS PRO12