Dragons back rower Evan Minto admits it was “a surprise” to play almost the full eighty minutes of the draw against Benetton on Saturday after coming on as a replacement.
The Pontypool Utd. product, who turned 20 just nine days ago, has been featuring for Wales U20s in the Six Nations but was named as part of the 23 to take on Benetton.
Minto came on barely two minutes into the match after an injury to number eight Shane Lewis-Hughes.
After making his Dragons debut last season against Newcastle away, Minto admitted that he “wasn’t expecting” to be in the matchday squad and that he grew in confidence as the game wore on.
“I ended up coming on quite early and I felt kind of out of place,” said Minto.
“Then once we started growing and the boys all helped me through it, I felt much more comfortable and showed my true colours really.
“The older boys, the ones who've had lots of experience in the URC, are brilliant at pulling us with them when we're in the hole.
“They’re brilliant at just chatting and chatting and chatting, even though they might be in a hole, they bring us with them and us younger ones never feel out of place.”
Minto joined former Hartpuy University teammate Harry Beddall (21) and Ryan Woodman (22) in the backrow and enjoyed the experience of playing with the two former Wales U20s captains.
“I love playing with Bedds,” said Minto, who represented Wales U20s with Beddall last year and teamed up with him as Hartpury University won the BUCS title at Rodney Parade.
“I’ve played with Woody a few times as well and we all feel really connected.
“Filo [Tiatia] has built that environment within us and I think that’s probably lacked over the past few years.
“This year we’ve brought it out, especially playing at home and you can't fault it really.”
The next time Dragons fans may see Minto at Rodney Parade will hopefully be for Wales U20s who host Italy in Newport on the 15th of March.
Before that, Wales U20s travel to face Ireland, a reverse of the fixture which Minto and co. won last year at Rodney Parade.
“The 20s boys have been prepping really well and have prepped well for the last few games,” said Minto.
“We probably could be three from three now, but we are where we are and again we're never going to give up on each other and we're always going to try and push and do as well as we can.
“Especially for me and the other Dragons boys, coming back here, is hopefully going to be a special day.”
Tickets are available for Wales U20s clash against Italy on the 15th of March HERE
