Ireland debutant James Lowe was the proudest man in Dublin after his try-scoring performance in the 32-9 defeat of Wales in the Autumn Nations Cup curtain-raiser.
The New Zealand-born wing imposed himself on the game at the Aviva Stadium from the off on Friday night, and delivered the sort of performance that we have seen so often for Leinster in the Guinness PRO14 over the last three years.
And the 28-year-old’s dream debut was wrapped up in the dying seconds against Wayne Pivac’s side, as he bundled over to finish off the scoring, and cap a memorable day not just for himself, but his family watching at home.
“I’ve always wanted to challenge myself on the biggest stage, so for this opportunity to come at home in pretty peculiar circumstances, I’m pretty bloody proud,” Lowe said.
“I know half my hometown got up at first thing in the morning to watch it, I’ve got friends all over the world messaging me, past players, coaches, it’s a very proud moment that’s for sure.”
Lowe played his part in a dominant Irish performance at the Aviva Stadium, as Andy Farrell’s side looked for redemption after missing out on Guinness Six Nations success in October.
Quinn Roux got the only try of the first half 20 minutes in, as the Connacht lock burrowed over from close range to add to Johnny Sexton’s early penalty.
Sexton added another with the boot soon after, before Billy Burns took over kicking duties to make it 16-6 at the interval, with the visitors barely getting out of first gear.
The pattern was much the same after the break, with Wales’ ill-discipline costing them valuable points from the boots of Burns and Connor Murray, before Lowe rounded off the scoring with his late try.
The defeat was Wales’ sixth in succession but for Lowe, it marked the perfect start to his international career with his newly adopted country.
“It’s the little things at this level that make such a big difference, but that doesn’t go on the scoresheet or go on the stats, so I was happy to get that sorted,” the wing said.
“You do dream about scoring on debut and performing on debut, it doesn’t matter who you are you’re always questioning whether you should be there.
“So to be able to do that and perform well means the world.”
