The Welsh Rugby Union’s website carried a headline ‘Jumping Jac flash’ below a picture of Scarlets lock Jac Price bouncing up and down in the direction of similarly ecstatic team-mates after the final whistle signalled a historic Wales Under-20s win over New Zealand.
All over the pitch red-shirted players threw themselves into gloriously uncoordinated celebrations.
Some didn’t seem to know where to run or who to embrace, dashing off in different directions after the 8-7 success in Rosario.
Others just opted for the tried and tested: the centre Tiaan Thomas-Wheeler extended both arms in the air, like a champion boxer who had just overseen a knockout, while the skipper Dewi Lake also raised both arms, in classic Delme Thomas circa 1972 blacksmith-style, albeit without a sea of supporters ferrying him from the field of play.
Ben Warren went to hug Ryan Conbeer, and Cai Evans and Tommy Reffell threw arms around each other’s shoulders.
And why not? It was only Wales’ second-ever win over New Zealand at under-20s level and sides in black are usually the yardstick. Beat them and young players know they have achieved something special.
But success in sport tends to be built on the disappointment of others and so it was that the losers cut dejected figures, none more so than Taine Plumtree, a second row ironically born in Swansea, whose father John coached the All Whites for five seasons at the end of the 1990s and early 2000s.
Wales wing Deon Smith broke off from celebrating to go over and console Plumtree junior.
He even offered a gentle pat on the shoulder as he bent towards the 6ft 4in, 17st forward, who had slumped onto his haunches, head in hands.
Fortunately, a cameraman captured the moment.
There appears genuine empathy from Smith and feeling for the beaten New Zealander.
The Newport-born wing is only 19, yet to take time out during perhaps the sweetest moment of his sporting life to commiserate with an opponent amounted to a memorable display of sportsmanship.
But what words had he used? “I didn’t say a lot, really,” he said.
“I just spotted him at the end of the game, so I thought I’d go over and see if he was OK.
“All I said was something like ‘hard luck, mate’.”
But those three little words during a moment of despair for an opponent can count for a lot.
The episode revealed a generosity of spirit which said much for the young Welshman.
