Saturday may not have been a day to remember for Wales, but for Cardiff’s own Mackenzie Martin - it was a day he’ll never forget.
The Blue and Blacks’ emerging backrow star was the 1200th man to pull on the red shirt of Wales and represent his country.
But it wasn’t long ago that that scenario would have felt like a dream.
“I don’t think I was as nervous as I thought I would be. It’s a massive occasion, but to stay composed and keep my feelings intact I had to just think of it as any other game.
“Seeing my name, it’s amazing how quick it’s all come. I don’t think I’ve even had time to think about it. I want to thank God and my family.
“My Dad took me to every training session when I was younger, even up to this year! My mum always made me amazing dinners, and my brother would always come down and support me. My uncle Rob, had a heart attack a couple of weeks ago, so I’m just glad he’s here to be able to see me play - and my grampy’s in the sky to see me play as well.”
Mackenzie Martin has played just eight senior games of rugby since signing his academy contract last summer, but that was enough for Warren Gatland to be sure that Wales were in need of his many talents.
Martin has been surrounded by both talented and experienced back rowers since entering the senior squad at Cardiff, with Ellis Jenkins being named as a player who has been aiding Mackenzie in his development from academy player to professional. Not forgetting the tricks of the trade he can learn from other international players within the squad such as Taulupe Faletau, Thomas Young, Josh Turnbull and James Botham.
He had displayed his ability to run with the ball for the Wales U20s last summer, which led to Head Coach Matt Sherratt taking note of the young CAVC graduate.
In Sherratt’s words - “He’s six foot five, and he’s fast. That’s pretty difficult to coach.” The physical gifts of Mackenzie Martin have made him stand out, but it’s his humility and commitment to improving his game that has forced his way into both the Cardiff and Wales game-day squad.
Sherratt described watching Martin and Lucas De La Rua doing additional fitness and conditioning drills after returning from the Wales U20s World Cup last Summer.
“Look he was just coming back from a World Cup, and he’s acting on the advice of his coaches independently.
“Then he joins in with the senior squad having moved up from the academy, and it was a test of his maturity really. We were looking for his effort in training and his attention in meetings - he answered every question immediately.”