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Powell on top of the world

November 30 2008

Cardiff Blues and Wales number eight Andy Powell has described the autumn Test series as "the best four weeks of my life".

thrust himself into Lions contention for next year's South Africa tour after being handed an international debut against the Springboks.

He was named man-of-the-match following a memorable Wales introduction, and although Powell felt he produced a below-par display against New Zealand two weeks later, Australia latterly felt the full force of his dynamic presence.

Having run himself virtually to a standstill, the 27-year-old received a prolonged ovation when he was replaced during the final quarter of Wales' 21-18 victory.

"It was a great win at the end of the day. Everyone gave 100 per cent, and we got the win we needed," said Powell.

"I was blowing a bit in the first-half, I think everyone was. It was a proper Test match.

"It is massive for us. We said at the start of the autumn campaign that we had to beat one of the Tri-Nations teams, and we've done it.

"The boys have worked hard during the last four weeks, and it is a great credit to everyone involved.

"It has been the best four weeks of my life. To get that call to play against South Africa for my Test debut was something else.

"The body is aching a bit now, but it will be a day off on Sunday and then back into training on Monday."

Powell's next assignment is a Heineken Cup clash against French giants Biarritz on Friday - but the Blues will be without his Wales colleague Jamie Roberts.

Roberts was taken to hospital following a shuddering midfield collision with Wallabies captain Stirling Mortlock.

The third-minute incident ended Mortlock's afternoon, but Roberts played on for another 15 minutes, unaware that subsequent hospital checks would reveal a fractured skull.

"Jamie is a great player," added Powell.

"I just hope everything is fine. We all send him our regards."