Ellis Jenkins insists there’s more to come from him on a personal level, despite an impressive performance upon his return to international action on Saturday.
The Cardiff star secured three crucial turnovers against world champions, South Africa, as Wayne Pivac’s side were edged out by a late Springboks surge.
However despite a positive comeback to the Test arena, Jenkins, who took over the captaincy after Jonathan Davies’ departure from the field, admits disappointment regarding the result was the over-riding emotion after the match.
“The competitor in you you’re still disappointed in the loss – particularly the manner of the loss. I thought we were in control for large parts of the game.
“My family, my girlfriend, my best mates were all here and you could see how much it meant to all of them. That’s a part of it people don’t see. It was really nice to have everyone there. It would have been nice to have finished off with a win.
“It’s always nice [to win turnovers]. The manner of it, when we were under a bit of pressure in the 22, it’s always nice to get those real pressure-relieving moments.
“It’s a team effort, there are big collisions going in, two or three phases where you’re trying to string two or three positive sets together and that’s when the turnover opportunity arises.
“It was a nice moment for me, but huge work-rate from the boys inside. It’s always nice to hear the roar of the stadium when it gets going.
“It's my first game back in a Welsh shirt, I still have a lot of stuff to work on. For two and a bit years, getting back onto the pitch was my sole focus.
“Since I've been back, it's trying to get back to where I was. Getting back and playing is great, but I want to get back and play at a level I think I can play at.
“I'm probably not quite there yet, but I'm willing to work hard to get there and that's what I want to achieve.
“I'm a confident person. I always know that if I get my stuff right, I'm confident in my ability to play at this level. There are some things I am really not happy about with my performance today.
“A couple of cheap penalties which, speaking to Taine [Basham] after the game, comes with the territory a little bit.
“Especially in the back row, playing against two sevens, you have to live on the edge. Both of us were maybe too far on the edge at times today, but Taine is another player who is a joy to play with, and he's learning fast. He's taken to it like a duck to water really.
“Look, there's a lot to improve. I'm still physically trying to get back to where I am, or as well as I can which takes a lot of work. But I'm trying to get on the right track to get there.
“We were in a position to win the game. Once they had their try disallowed I thought it was a bit of a momentum shift, but they’re a good a team coming off the back of a Lions tour and a lot of international rugby together. They had a bit too much for us at the end.
“It’s a tough momentum to stop, you know what’s coming but it’s a challenge to stop it.”
Jenkins’ return to the Welsh jersey, following two years out of the game with a serious knee injury, was applauded by his South African counterpart, Siya Kolisi.
While Jenkins was touched by the Springbok captain’s comments, his focus now turns to Fiji on Sunday.
“He's obviously a great guy, isn't he Siya. He just said "it's great to see you back". He sent me a jersey from the 2018 game when we played, when I got injured,” explained the Cardiff star.
“Siya was with the Barbarians a couple of weeks later, and one of the physios, Wayne Mortimer, spoke to him and he sent his jersey to me, which was obviously a very nice jersey.
“It's horrible, you go out and you compete and try get one over the opposition, but it's horrible to see people get injured, particularly the way it happened at the end of the game.
“He was just saying how happy he was that I was back playing and how much he enjoys playing against me - I'm not sure if that'd a good thing or a bad thing. We see each other now in the United Rugby Championship and hopefully next summer as well.
“Any chance you get to play for Wales is a huge honour. Foxy spoke about it in the team run and in the warm-ups today - look around and take in what's going on, particularly after the last 18 months which have been very tough for people, and to understand and remember how lucky we are, to not take it for granted.
“It probably sounds a bit cliché, but we are very lucky to do what we do. That never gets forgotten.
“I was travelling reserve last week and probably missed most of rugby during Covid. Lots of the boys have got used to rugby with no crowds, and I probably played three or four with no crowds. It’s not really something I became used to.
“I always say to people when they ask what it is like to play at the Principality Stadium – other than the rugby it’s the drive up Westgate Street and you can see how much it means to everyone.
“Speaking to Nugget (Martyn Williams) before the game he told me to enjoy it and I said I was glad I got to do that last week.
“You get off the bus, everyone is shouting and screaming, and it really does get you up for the game. Obviously last week it was getting you up for the game, they you didn’t play!
“It was nice to get that out of the way, get on the pitch, see all the fans and be able to do that again and perform on the pitch.
“I don't know if [taking over as captain] is a measure of how chopsy I am really, but it’s a role I'm comfortable in.
“It's not something where I feel I need to change the way I am. You get picked for leadership roles and as captain probably based on your personality and how you are.
“It's just one of those things - you get on with it and just try and contribute as much as you can for the team. It doesn't change the way you play the game.
“There's no point screaming and shouting at people or telling them what to do if your performances aren't excellent. That's my focus and whatever else comes with it, if I can help the team then I will.”
Wales look to bounce back from defeat when they host Fiji at Principality Stadium on Sunday! Cardiff Rugby are offering a Buy One, Get One Free deal for all tickets, which are available by contacting [email protected] or by phoning 029 20 30 20 30 (9am-5pm).
We also have tickets remaining as Wallabies visit the capital for the final clash of the autumn campaign, starting from just £25.
The Cardiff Arms Park gates will once again be open on Sunday as we welcome supporters to the Official Guinness Fan Village. Gates open at 11am with live music, food and drink and live screening of the day's rugby action! Join us at the heart of the capital city for the biggest matchday party!