STARS REFLECT ON PERFORMANCE

“They were very unusual conditions for us. Perhaps lesser sides could have made an issue of it, but I thought we just got on with the job really well. We were trying to impress on the importance of making a big start and the players certainly did that. In that respect it was faultless.”

The Welsh talisman also praised the travelling support, labelling them “superb”. “They made a great noise during the game. When we did a lap of honour at the end, you could really appreciate how many were there.”

Ceri Sweeney took his opportunity in the absence of Gavin Henson and Stephen Jones with both hands, converting each of Wales’ eleven tries and looking at home in the unfamiliar role of inside centre.

“Kicking 11 conversions out of eleven is the best I’ve had. I can’t do any better than that,” the Dragons star smiled. Sweeney excelled in his chance to play at inside centre, very pleased to add another string to his bow and increase his future chances of selection. However, he was quick to admit that it would not be as easy against other sides. “I enjoyed it at inside centre. It may be a bit different against a better side, but i enjoyed it.”

After a well-rounded performance of his own in which he scored a a brace of tries, Colin Charvis noted that Wales are beginning to show signs of strength in depth, particularly in the back row.

“We’ve got two back rowers away with the Lions in Martyn Williams and Michael Owen, while Dafydd Jones is still injured as well. With Ryan Jones and Jonathan Thomas starting next to me on Saturday, and Richie Pugh coming on, we’ve still got Robert Sowden-Taylor as well, it shows that Wales have got six or seven players to pick from for a very strong back row.”

Fullback Kevin Morgan, who scored a try and set up Craig Morgan for his, was quick to point out the improved performance when compared to the 1997 tour of the USA, emphasising the strength in depth that has breathed life into a Wales squad missing 10 of the the Grand Slam winning squad.

“I was in the Wales team that played out in the States back in 1997 and I think we’ve progressed a lot since then. I think we’ve got a lot more strength in depth than we did back in ’97 and we’ve come off the back of a Grand Slam win as well. That bit of extra confidence can do wonders for your play.”

Scrum-half Mike Phillips, who was making his second test start, capped it with his second test try for which he tore through the US defence on a 70-metre run to the line.

“That’s my second try for Wales and the first one I scored (against Romania in November) was from about two yards, so it was nice to go a bit further this time.”

Phillips made the most of his chance in the absence of Dwayne Peel and Gareth Cooper –  both in New Zealand with the lions, producing a composed and faultless display.

“I loved every minute of it, to be honest. It was great to have the opportunity to start, and I don’t think there’s much more I could have done really.

Brent Cockbain sent a timely reminder to Clive Woodward of just what he was missing by not calling the Wales star to New Zealand as a replacement for injured Irish lock Malcolm O’ Kelly with the physically commanding performance that has become his trademark.

“I’ve got a job to do over here,” asserts the 6ft 8ins Ospreys second row. “I like to think I did that job reasonably okay against the US on Saturday and that’s my focus.”

Reflecting on Woodward’s decision to overlook him, Cockbain was dignified in his response and praised Wasps second row Simon Shaw, who has gone in his place.

“Obviously I’m disappointed that I didn’t get the call,” said the 30-year-old. “But I think Simon is a sensational player and he should have gone to start with, so I have no qualms with him going.”