Josh Lewsey had been choked up when he received his first British & Irish Lions shirt on Saturday but uncorked that emotion with two tries in the opening six minutes and another magnificent individual display.
During the build-up to the 34-20 victory over Bay of Plenty in Rotorua, Lewsey had spoken evocatively of his desire to play for the Lions and be part of a successful tour to New Zealand.
His performance may have been overshadowed by the serious injury suffered by Lawrence Dallaglio, but Lewsey nevertheless further enhanced his Test credentials.
"A lot has been said about what it means to play for the Lions and I was determined to make sure that wasn’t lip service," Lewsey said.
"All week we have been hearing what it means to play for this side. Well I tell you what, pulling on that red jersey was a really choking moment.
"We were presented our jerseys by Gareth Jenkins. I love the guy. He is all heart and you can never knock the guy because he is so genuine. He wears his heart on his sleeve.
"That is the first time I pulled on a Lions shirt and it was one of the proudest moments of my life.
"When I was young I dreamed of playing for the Lions. It is a higher accolade than being picked for your country."
And he started with a bang, diving over twice as the Lions made a storming start to their campaign in New Zealand.
He could have had a hat-trick at the end but after making a searing break he slipped the ball to Gordon D’Arcy for the sixth and final try.
"I could have scored it myself but I didn’t want to get the nickname of ‘Crowbar’ early in the tour. It’s an easy way of making friends," he joked.
