Will Reed admits making his senior debut for Dragons and lining up against Springbok legend Morne Steyn was a true ‘pinch yourself’ moment – and now the talented young playmaker wants more of the same.
Dragons Academy graduate Reed made his senior bow as a replacement in the defeat to Vodacom Bulls at Loftus Versfeld Stadium last weekend.
The 20-year-old admits it was a dream come true to run out for the region and now he is targeting even more before the season ends.
And Reed revealed how South African international Steyn - who has played 68 Tests for his country – had some inspirational words of advice after the final whistle.
“Making my debut is something I’ve been aiming for over a long period. I was itching to get on the field and get involved,” admitted Reed.
“I’ll admit the belly did do a flip when they said I was going on and the nerves are there, but as soon as you get on the park that goes and your focus is on your job.
“I was told a few days before the game that I was on the bench so there wasn’t too long to think about it.
“I got loads of well-wishes from back home and again after the game which was nice too.
“When I saw the two team sheets I noticed Steyn was opposite me and you do pinch yourself a little bit because he has achieved so much I the game,” he added.
“I also realised in the first set piece that we were defending that I was opposite him so you’re soon well aware of what your facing.
“We had a chat after the game, and he spoke nicely to me and had some positive words.
“The Bulls also invited us into their dressing room afterwards, so we had another talk and I got a picture with him.
“He’s a good guy who had some words of encouragement so appreciate that he took the time.”
Reed has revealed how the coaching team at Dragons had lifted any pressure off his shoulders in the week of the first game in South Africa.
And he believes being a part of the squad on tour has been a huge step forward for his development.
“The coaches spoke to me in the week of the Bulls game and took the pressure off me, told me to go out and do my thing and make sure I enjoyed it,” said Reed.
“That really helped, it took any weight off my shoulders, and hopefully I showed a glimpse of what I am capable of and I’ll get a chance again in the future.
“The tour over here has been massive for me on so many levels,” he added. “It’s an amazing country and I never came here or toured with the age grades with Wales so it’s been a great experience.
“The training has been hard, especially with the warm weather, but it’s been great to be around the boys, I’ve learnt so much and picked up a lot.
“I’ve enjoyed my season so far, enjoyed the chance to play for Newport RFC, so it’s been a positive for me and now it’s about kicking on and not standing still.
“I do have other targets this season and next and I’m taking it game-by-game and looking to play my best when I’m given the nod.
“It was great to get on the park in Pretoria and get that first senior appearance. But that’s gone and now, it’s about working hard for another opportunity and chance to show what I can do.”
The coaches spoke to me in the week of the Bulls game and took the pressure off me, told me to go out and do my thing and make sure I enjoyed it...
