Taulupe Faletau was embarrassed to receive the BKT Player of the Game award after Cardiff secured an impressive victory at the Arms Park.
The iconic number eight contributed 17 carries and 21 tackles in a colossal 63 minute performance as the Blue & Blacks strengthened their place in the United Rugby Championship top eight.
But the typically modest Faletau, brushed off any personal plaudits when receiving his medal and pointed to the collective effort of his teammates.
He said: “It was pretty special, especially sitting up there and just experiencing the crowd. I think they probably brought the boys in .The fight from the boys as well in the last five-10 minutes was class and we’re just chuffed to get the win tonight.
“It’s a squad effort and in the week, how we train and how everyone chips in, it’s been class. The shift some of the boys have put in out there, I feel embarrassed coming up to collect this, there’s many that could have come up tonight.”
The Wales and British & Irish Lions star displayed his all round ability with a stunning contribution for Cardiff’s second try.
After Gabe Hamer-Webb soared high to claim a cross kick, he released his hands to find an onrushing Faletau.
He burst from his own half, displaying a clean pair of heels before firing a long left-hand pass to Harri Millard, which any fly-half would be proud of.
And after a year punctuated by frustrating injuries, Faletau is thrilled to be back on the pitch at a crucial point in the season and is relishing what is to come.
He added: “I’m just happy to get out there with the boys. It’s been up and down, playing and not playing so to get the run of games in the last couple of weeks has been good. Hopefully we can keep on winning and see where we get to.”