Captain Lake has had to conduct plenty of tough post-match interviews – he called the late loss to Scotland “gut-wrenching” – but was able to enjoy happier reflections.
“We hope we have restored some faith in the jersey and into what this group can do,” said the Gloucester-bound Ospreys hooker.
“I am overjoyed for the boys because of how hard they have worked. That performance sums up how we have grown in the last two to three weeks.
“The scoreline was similar to half-time against Scotland and to come out and score first, to never give up on the moment, to stay switched on and stay in every play shows how we have learned.
“That was a performance we have built towards and this group deserves it massively.
“We have gone through a lot of emotionally tough things recently, whether that is on the field or off it.”
