Carré and Lane have been selected to start against Ireland and both will be keen to put their best foot forward ahead of Warren Gatland naming his final Rugby World Cup squad on Sunday. And Saracens-bound prop Carré is looking forward to taking on an experienced Ireland pack.
“It’s mad I’m going to make my Wales debut alongside Owen,” said the 21-year-old.
“We have gone through every step of the pathway together, other than when he had a stint with Wales Sevens, Cardiff Schools, Cardiff Blues Under-16s and so on. We went to Cowbridge Comprehensive together and lived together last year so it’s been quite mad.
“He wasn’t a bad housemate, he loves to think he’s a good cook – we just keep letting him think that! He didn’t cook for me, I’ve got more of a simplistic taste.
“It’s a massive day for me and my family, and all the friends I have grown up with. We have all been on a journey together. My phone has been going mad, not about tickets, but people wishing me the best of luck and saying: ‘Well done’.”
Having only started three Guinness PRO14 games for the Cardiff Blues, Carré’s rise to the top has been remarkable. He admits the past few months has been a whirlwind but is desperate to get on the plane to Japan.
“This time last year I had just come back from the Under-20 World Championship out in France,” he said.
“At that point, I was quite nervous about pushing forward into my first professional season with the Blues but in 12 months everything has changed for me. There’s little technical points I never thought really mattered, which has opened my eyes into the detail you need to bring into your game at this level otherwise you will never make it.
“Gatland’s just said there’s a seat up for grabs on the plane. If that’s not enough of a motivation for anyone, there’s not much else that’s going to do it for you.”
His former Cardiff Blues teammate Lane is also over the moon to be selected to win his first cap on the wing.
“I was initially really excited and it’s obviously a proud moment for me and my family but there are a few nerves creeping in because it’s going to be a big occasion and I want to put my best foot forward,” said Lane.
“I wouldn’t say I saw it coming. Gats has been pretty honest that there was going to be a few changes going into the Ireland game. He stuck to his word. The boys want to put their best foot forward and we’re all looking forward to it.”
Despite the back-three being a hugely competitive position, Lane is hoping he can throw his name into the hat with a strong showing. I know Gats has been honest and I know there’s places up for grabs,” said Lane.
“The back three is a position whereby if you put your best foot forward then hopefully you can put your hand up and get a place on the plane. I’m just going to go out there and enjoy the occasion as much as I can.
“I know I’m going to be nervous out there but hopefully I can enjoy it, take it all in and play as well as I can.”
Wales v Ireland tickets can be purchased here.
