Video: Darren Sweetnam On Making His Ireland Debut

It was a dream come true for Munster’s Darren Sweetnam as he came off the bench to make his Ireland debut in the 38-3 win over South Africa on Saturday evening.

The winger was one of seven Munster men that played their part in the record win and Sweetnam played a key role in Jacob Stockdale’s late score with Andrew Conway scoring his first international try in the opening half.

“It was absolutely incredible. It was all surreal. Growing up as a young kid in Ireland, all you want to do is put on that green jersey. I was absolutely thrilled, and there was a good old roar, so I enjoyed that as well,” said the 24-year-old from Dunmanway at full-time.

In the lead up to the game, Sweetnam was eager to get advice from a number of his team-mates about what to expect on his first foray into the international arena. Andrew Conway and Jonathan Sexton helped him to feel at ease, and even though he was ruled out of contention himself, Keith Earls also played a key role behind the scenes.

Sweetnam acknowledged: “The Munster lads have been great, everyone really. Johnny Sexton, Keith Earls has been so good to me. He just goes through every move and stuff. Even when he got injured, he came over to me, and making sure I was okay with everything.

“Andrew Conway as well, just telling me how it feels and getting me ready for the occasion. They’ve all been great. There’s a great bunch of lads around me.”

Ireland host Fiji in the next Guinness Series clash at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday at 5.30pm.