He has seen it happen in training time after time and that’s why he was never in any doubt that he would hit the mark in Bloemfontein to help Wales make history by winning for the first time on South African soil.
Now Hawkins intends to use the moment to try to inspire his side when they face the Baby Boks in their clash in the final of the Six Nations U20 Series in Treviso this week. If Anscombe’s conversion of Josh Adams’ last-gasp try last weekend made him the hero, it had been Hawkins a few days earlier who had guided his Wales team into the final.
Hawkins kicked a 45 meter penalty to give his side a 23-20 lead in the dying minutes and that’s how it stayed. That win meant revenge for the defeat to the Italians in the Six Nations and now Wales are determined to make it four out of four at the competition.
“I know Anscombe pretty well from back at the Ospreys and I knew he was going to land that kick. I had confidence in him and I was saying to the boys, ‘Easy, he’ll kick this’” said Hawkins.
“That’s why you practice in the week, so when you get into those pressure moments you know you can deliver. We always get our extras done together after training.
“All of the Welsh squad watched the game in the team room and it was a hell of a win. We were all so chuffed for them and it has given us the motivation to go out and do the same on Tuesday night.”
With wins under their belts against Scotland, Georgia and Italy, Hawkins’ side will head into the game against the unbeaten South Africans, who saw off England, Ireland and France in their group, full of confidence.
For many it will be their last outing at this age group and Hawkins is determined they will go out and leave everything on the pitch.
“We’ve spoken about the fact that this is probably the first final a lot of boys have ever played in and that it could be the last. Not many players get to play in finals throughout their career,” added Hawkins.
“So, having that winning feeling from a final is definitely something we don’t want to miss out on, Seeing the senior team beat South Africa has given us that little boost of confidence to go out and do the same thing.”
The Six Nations Under-20 Summer Series takes place from 24 June – 12 July. Fans can watch every match live. For more information
