Jonathan Thomas spoke of his delight after featuring in Wales’ dramatic last-gasp Six Nations victory over Scotland.
Wales were staring defeat in the face as they trailed 14-24 with ten minutes remaining.
“Yes, with ten minutes to go I felt we had blown it,” admitted Thomas.
However, he still had a “gut feeling” as the Scots tired. Wales were given a glimmer of hope when replacement hooker Scott Lawson was sin-binned for coming in at the side of a ruck. With the visitors down to 14-men, Leigh Halfpenny crossed for a fantastic try that Stephen Jones converted to reduce the deficit.
In the 79th minute the Scots had replacement Phil Godman sin-binned for tripping Leigh Byrne. Jones kept his nerve to level the scores, when minutes earlier, everything seemed lost.
“When Stephen kicked the penalty, I felt happy that we had salvaged a draw,” Thomas said.
“We just went for broke from the kick-off, they were down to 13, and we have some of the best backs in the world when you give them space.
“It was a matter of keeping our composure and just going through the phases. And when Shane (Williams) dived over for a dramatic winning try the whole of the Millennium Stadium erupted.”
Jones kicked the conversion to make it 34-24 and as the final whistle sounded the “great escape” comeback was complete.
Thomas summed up his feelings at the end of the titanic battle in one word: “Elation”.
He had been bitterly disappointed that Wales lost against England last week right at the death - but this week the Wales team were deemed heroes.
“This win is something that will live with me forever. It’s the first time I’ve played a full 80 minutes for Wales in Cardiff since the 2008 Grand Slam.”
After the game Thomas confessed to feeling a “bit sore and stiff - but it’s a brilliant feeling to finish on top.”
Wales take on Six Nations favourites France on Friday week and Thomas naturally wants to retain his place in the team whether it’s in the second row or on the flank.
“I don’t care what position I play, I just love playing for Wales. Arriving on the team bus before facing Scotland, singing the national anthem, and also winning is the best feeling in the world ever.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article