Ten years on from scoring his one and only try for Wales which came against Japan, current men’s national squad defensive contact skills coach Dan Lydiate sat down with WRUtv to share his memories of that special moment in his 72-cap playing career.
“Obviously I didn’t score many in my international career,” said Lydiate “I don’t really know why I was literally stood on the wing, because I spent my whole career between the 15s getting battered. I must have been having a rest for that to come off.
“I was half-tempted to dive in the corner but I thought oh I’m going to go into touch here, so I had cut back off my right leg and I was just happy I didn’t drop it.
“It would have been nice to have more tries in my career but yeah I was pretty chuffed to get over the line.
It wasn’t just Lydiate who was pleased with the score, fellow international George North was delighted to see his teammate cross the whitewash: “So, George North wasn’t playing but he was sat next to my mate in the stand,” said Lydiate “He went absolutely mental because obviously he knew I hadn’t scored any during my international career [until that point].
Wales play Japan at Principality Stadium in round four of the Nations Championship which returns to action this autumn in a month’s time.
“They never give up,” noted Lydiate “they are very technically proficient, so it’s always a tough battle.
“It was good to get a result against them last autumn. We’re expecting a tough battle against Japan [again this year], but we’re looking forward to the challenge as always.
Don’t miss your next opportunity to see Wales play Japan at home on Saturday 7 November in round four of the Nations Championship.
Tickets for all autumn Nations Championship games including Wales v The All Blacks and Australia are on sale now from only £13.50 U18s and £26 Adults via WRU.WALES/TICKETS