Craig Gilroy was delighted after his dream Test debut for Ireland against Argentina
Sunday 25 November 2012 14:17, UK
Image:Craig Gilroy: Put in an impressive display on his Test debut against Argentina
Craig Gilroy was delighted after his dream Test debut helped Ireland earn a record 46-24 victory over Argentina.
Wracked
Gilroy admitted he was so wracked with nerves before the game that he considered driving back to Belfast.
"This was my first cap and then there was the rankings issue on top of that, so it was a huge game for Ireland," he said.
"I was extremely nervous to the point where I thought about jumping in my car and driving back to Belfast! I was more nervous than I'd ever been.
"But I'd received loads of messages from family and friends and they said don't put any more pressure on yourself, just be yourself and enjoy it.
"That's what I did and it was those messages from friends and family that settled the nerves."
Upon crossing at Aviva Stadium on Saturday, the new star of Irish rugby was mobbed by his team-mates - evidence of his popularity and their own relief.
"Being surrounded by the whole team just after scoring that try is a moment I'll never forget," he said.
"That's the sort of moment you think about when you get into the team. It was euphoria, it was amazing.
"For my try I saw a gap and thought 'it's on'. The rest just happened... I couldn't really control it. I started stepping and I was over."
