Jamie Roberts fears the Wales players he led to victory over Samoa this weekend may never get the chance to repeat their success.
The Harlequins centre, 30, guided Robin McBryde’s youthful charges to a 19-17 comeback win in Apia as Steffan Evans popped up with two crucial second-half tries.
It meant Wales came out on top despite the dreadful conditions on the Pacific Island.
“It’s been a huge honour to tour here because the boys won’t get to do it again in their rugby careers,” Roberts said. “I doubt they’ll play here again for Wales.
“It’s not like touring New Zealand, South Africa and Australia where we tour regularly. The last tour here was 23 years ago.
“It was a once-in-a-career opportunity really and this win was about a culmination of the effort we’ve put in as a squad.
“This group got together four weeks ago with a short turnaround time to play two games, but those boys have gelled superbly and played for each other and the jersey and you can’t ask for much more than that.”
Roberts was a shining light to Wales’ younger players at Apia Park. Trailing 10-9 at the break after Sam Davies’ three penalties responded to a try from Samoan wing Alapati Leiua, Wales were still in the game as the second half began.
Hooker Maatulimanu Leiataua looked to have given the Pacific Islanders the win after he hit back following Evans’ first try, but the Scarlets man was not to be denied.
His second – a diving finish in the corner – sent the impressive young tourists home with two victories following their 24-6 win over Tonga last Friday.
Roberts said: “I think it was 10-man rugby at its best. Our centres and wingers did a good job chasing and the half-backs kicked outstandingly.
“Aled Davies kicked beautifully and the kick to compete off nine is huge.
“It’s certainly one of the most enjoyable tours I’ve been on and to captain Wales is a huge honour for me. It’s probably one of the proudest moments of my career.”
Wales’ latest victory came despite their starting XV going into the game boasting just 151 caps of international experience.
“These young lads won’t realise how special this is,” Roberts said. “Maybe they will some time later when they reflect on their careers.
“They have a lot to come in their international careers and it’s been a hugely enjoyable tour on my behalf.”
More than 10 of McBryde’s squad were struck down by vomiting and diarrhoea ahead of the clash in Apia and Roberts was among those who were ill at half-time in the Pacific Island nation.
Some, but not all, of Wales’ touring party were laid low by the virus in the days leading up to the game and it also affected members of Wales’ backroom staff.
It made the win all the more impressive as a young side came from behind to win against a full-strength Samoan outfit.
Delighted boss McBryde said: “It has been a very difficult tour in such a short space of time. Tonga in Auckland was tough and you can’t underestimate the situation we were in here in Samoa.
“Conditions were poor for both teams and we’ve had a little bit of illness in the camp. The boys could have used that as an excuse, but they dug in so deep. I’m just so pleased for the players.”
Roberts and full-back Gareth Anscombe were two of those to really suffer with illness. The cause of the bug remains a mystery at this stage.
Wales have been based at the Sheraton Hotel in central Apia which has a reputation as one of the best resorts in the country.
Despite still struggling both before and during the game, Wales were impressive winners in Samoa. Steffan Evans’ two second-half tries sealed the win and ensured McBryde’s men made it back-to-back successes following last Friday’s 24-6 victory over Tonga in Auckland.
Tries from Alapati Leiua and Manu Leiataua had looked like giving Samoa the win, but Evans’ last-gasp effort turned the tables on the home side.
The Scarlets winger showed the sort of predatory try-scoring instincts that made him such a success for the Guinness PRO12 title winners last season by crossing for two superb finishes.
Fly-half Sam Davies ended the game with nine points courtesy of three penalties.
McBryde added: “We put ourselves in a very difficult position. We were 10-0 down early on and Samoa didn’t disappoint. We knew they would be physical and get stronger and they did that.
“We didn’t help ourselves and hurt 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 and Gareth took the lead. For them to be guiding this team through those difficult periods helped us get across the line.”
Two wins from two this summer without 12 of their best players who are on duty with the British & Irish Lions represents a real success story for Wales.
“For an inexperienced front five to go up against a fully-loaded Samoan pack was impressive,” McBryde added.
“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.”