Robin McBryde believes the character shown by his Wales side can stand them in good stead as they battled past both illness and Samoa to end their summer tour with victory on Friday night.
At least ten members of the squad were struggling with sickness before the clash over the Pacific Islanders, but that didn’t prevent Wales securing a 19-17 victory away from home thanks to Steffan Evans’ try double.
They had to come from behind too, trailing 10-0 in the first half before a trio of penalties from Sam Davies – who impressed at half-back alongside namesake Aled – reduced the arrears to just one at the break.
Follow the RBS 6 Nations on Facebook and Twitter
Some of the team remained unwell at half-time, but the young Wales side came out strongly in the second period at Apia Park as Evans crossed for his first international score.
Tries from Alapati Leiua and Maatulimanu Leiataua and the boot of fly-half Tusi Pisi had put Samoa on the verge of victory, but Evans was to have the final word.
The Scarlets winger picked up his second in superb style, dotting down in the corner with just six minutes to play to secure the win for the RBS 6 Nations side, understandably leaving head coach McBryde delighted at the resilience shown.
“We put ourselves in a very difficult position. We were 10-0 down early on and Samoa didn’t disappoint,” he said. “We knew they would be physical and get stronger and they did that.
“We didn’t help ourselves on a couple of occasions, but the way the boys dug in and got through the arm wrestle was fantastic.
“That’s where the experienced members of the touring party like Jamie (Roberts) and Gareth Anscombe took the lead. For them to be guiding this team through those difficult periods helped us get across the line.
“For an inexperienced front five to go up against a fully-loaded Samoan pack was impressive.
“The half backs controlled things in that weather and we left a few tries out there. We could quite easily have scored before half time and the boys had the luxury of making a few mistakes and still winning as well. We’re delighted.”
Victory gave the 11-time RBS 6 Nations Grand Slam winners a second success on their summer tour, also beating Tonga 24-6 just a week earlier.
They also received a humbling welcome from their Samoan hosts, performing a rendition of Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau as part of their welcome.
In return, Wales left a vast array of kit and supplies for the Pacific Islanders – in a bid to help the latest generation of rugby players come through the ranks.
“We know Samoa has a lot of rugby talent, but not necessarily the infrastructure to support that,” said full-back Anscombe.
“It’s great to give something back to the people here. They’re rugby mad and even in 30 degree heat you can see them wearing match jerseys and other shirts.
“I’m sure the gear will be like gold to them and hopefully it will mean the world. If it helps us have a few more Welsh fans in this part of the world, then that’s all the better.”
