Hathaway reveals emotions of first Wales cap

Josh Hathaway represented Wales and England at under-20 level

New Wales wing Josh Hathaway says he was overcome with emotion when he sang the national anthem before the 25-16 first Test defeat against Sydney.

Gloucester wing Hathaway had played for Wales and England under-20s but was selected by Warren Gatland for the summer squad.

The 20-year-old from Aberystwyth won his first cap against Australia and insisted he has always wanted to play for Wales since he was a young boy.

"I did shed a tear or two after [the anthem]," said Hathaway.

"I was trying not to but it was hard because it is what I have always wanted to do.

"I have sung the anthem at age grade but this is different when you are representing your country on the international stage at the top level.

"It is going to take a couple of weeks to settle in. When the team was announced I still can't believe it even now we have played the game.

"It's what I have wanted to do since I was three or four years old and still surreal now to think back and look at it."

Hathaway was watched by friends and family as he became the 1,207th man to play for Wales.

"My Mum, Dad and sister were here as well which is lovely for the first one," said Hathaway.

"We have had some friends who have flown over for the game and there are some, who have lived here for a fair few months, who came to the match as well."

'We need to be more accurate'

Hathaway, who also suffered an arm injury, started on the wing before moving to full-back to replace Liam Williams who was forced off with a knee problem.

"It was a class experience going to replace one of your childhood heroes at 15," said Hathaway.

"The whole experience is surreal I am still trying to piece it together.

"It is a lot quicker than club rugby. I was nervous going into it but after a few involvements it sharpened me up a bit and I was trying to get used to the game as it went on."

Hathaway insists Wales can level the series in Melbourne next Saturday after pinpointing some of the issues in Sydney.

"We weren't accurate enough," said Hathaway.

"We put ourselves in the right areas in the 80 minutes but it's about executing those opportunities now.

"The buzz in the squad leading into this week has been massive.

"We need to execute those errors going into games and we will be a comfortable winning side.

"The boys will hold their heads high from this game and we just have to be accurate when it comes to the game next Saturday."