Centre Cory Allen had plenty of reasons to smile as he made a dream return to the Millennium Stadium as Cardiff Blues defeated Scarlets 17-13 in Judgement Day II.
Blues side ended a run of eight successive defeats to the Scarlets and made it three wins in a row in the RaboDirect PRO12 to climb to seventh spot.
Allen, 21, was at the centre of the performance as he earned the man of the match award and made a successful return to the Millennium Stadium, after picking up a shoulder injury against Argentina the last time he played at the home of Welsh rugby.
"It was good to be back playing at the Millennium Stadium and great that we were able to make it three wins on the bounce. It was certainly good to get another win," said Allen.
"It was difficult psychologically coming back after shoulder surgery, but it gets easier with every game. Getting a game under my belt at the Millennium Stadium once again was a big boost and I'm now two from two there.
"It was great to be able to play against Jonathan Davies. It always brings out the best in me when I play against the top players in the game.
"I'm pretty fresh at the moment, but I was blowing quite a bit by the end of what was a fast and furious game. I'm still hoping to get a call for the Wales tour to South Africa this summer."
Backs coach Paul John was quick to praise Allen in the wake of his side's victory adding: “Cory is a great talent and very skilful player and it is great to see him back fully fit.
“He has a great attitude, is skillful and played basketball to a high standard. You can see that with the time he has on the ball.
“The people around him make him that space too. Dafydd Hewitt did the simple things well and made tackles when he needed.
“Cory, when he is in space, is dangerous and he is a talented kid. It’s great to have people like that in the squad, but he is also a team player and you can see he is enjoying playing at the moment.”