Gareth Davies admits his crucial try in the World Cup victory over England at Twickenham has earned him a few free pints.
Now he wants to leave the Red Rose punch-drunk again in Saturday’s Six Nation clash that sees the winner on the brink of the title.
Davies etched his name in Welsh rugby folk-lore when he gathered Lloyd Williams’ kick-ahead to plunge over for the try in the 28-25 win last September.
The Scarlets scrum-half reckoned England were there for the taking as Warren Gatland’s men staged a comeback from seven points down.
Davies, 25, said: “I don’t think things changed that much for me – but I did have a few free pints after the World Cup!
“It was obviously a great moment for myself and for Wales as a nation.
“I think Gatts said himself that it was one of the biggest victories in Welsh rugby history so it was great to be a part of that.
“If I had scored a try like that against any other team I’m sure it would have been the same.
“We know that Lloyd came on on the wing and did a superb job in putting that kick in.
“I just happened to be at the right place at the right time and just about managed to pick the ball up to slide under the sticks.
“It was about 60 minutes and we were behind on the scoreboard, but I remember thinking that we were in a better place than they were.
“A lot of their forwards were blowing and a few of them were on the floor, struggling a bit.
“So I had a word with our forwards and said it was a big opportunity for us here, if we can pick it up a gear or two I’m sure we can come away with something special.
“And to be fair to them they did and we managed to get that try and obviously Dan Biggar’s penalty at the end to win it.”
Davies admits any victory over the Red Rose is special given the history between the two old enemies.
But he would take a scrappy triumph on Saturday knowing it would leave Wales needing to just beat Italy in Cardiff a week later to claim the Six Nations title.
The Carmarthen-born back added: “Wales against England is one of the biggest fixtures in world rugby. It is obviously sweeter than most other victories.
“It doesn’t really matter how you win as long as you do.
“I’m not really sure if they’ve improved since the World Cup to be honest.
“They have got some new management and stuff, but we are not really looking too much at them.
“We are just concentrating on getting our own house in order. I’m sure if we can do that we can hopefully come away with a win.”
Davies knows Wales cannot afford a slow start against Eddie Jones’ side, adding: “We have got to come out all guns blazing.
“In a couple of the games in this campaign we have started off a bit slow. We have talked about the first 20 minutes.
“We have got to start well.
“But we are quite confident and comfortable playing anywhere really.
“I think we showed before the World Cup last year when we went over to Dublin and turned the Irish over.
“We had a couple of good performances at Twickenham in the World Cup so it is not a place we are scared to go. We are looking forward to it.
“That is going to be massive for us. I am sure if we can do play a high-tempo game then hopefully we can come away with a nice win.”
Davies will win his 13th cap on Saturday hoping it is not unlucky for him with Rhys Webb recalled to the bench.
And he admits it is no surprise his Ospreys rival is back having recovered from the serious ankle injury that wrecked his World Cup dream.
He insisted: “I think we all knew that as soon as Webby was fit he was going to be straight back in the squad with us.
“I expected it really.
“I’ve had Aled and Lloyd Williams breathing down my neck since the start of the campaign so it is a bit of extra pressure for me, but I enjoy it.”
