While Sunday’s loss to Argentina may not have been a result to remember for Wales it was still a day to savour for Alex Mann. 

The Cardiff Rugby flanker won his seventh Test cap in the 52-28 defeat at the Principality Stadium, in which Wales displayed plenty of positive signs. 

Ultimately, Argentina had too much and inflicted a record loss on Steve Tandy’s side but Mann insists there is plenty to build on

And it was an extra special occasion for Mann with so many family and friends in the crowd – including Cardiff City star Isaak Davies, just hours before he was called up to the national squad himself.

Mann Made in Aberdare

Mann said: “He’s been my best mate since I was young, about four or five-years-old. 

“We have grown up through school (St John the Baptist School) together and it gives me goosebumps to think about it. We always said in class that we wanted to play for Wales – obviously him with football and me with rugby.

“For him to get a call up on Sunday – he came to watch the game as well – it’s a massive honour for him. Fingers crossed he gets an opportunity. From us in Aberdare thinking about this as our dream, it’s pretty surreal that we both get the chance at the same time.”

It is well known that Mann spent time alongside his childhood friend within the Cardiff City academy but was Davies any good at rugby?

Mann continued: “He was a really good rugby player back in the day as well. He was a wing, really fast and if you gave him the ball, he didn’t know what to do other than he was faster than everyone else!

“I was alright (at football) but nowhere near as good as him! I did play with him back in the day for three or four years in the Cardiff academy, so I know what it takes in football and I’m just really proud of him. 

“We are similar people, we keep our heads down and keep working for opportunities.” 

Positives to build on versus Japan

Focusing on the oval ball, Mann believes there were plenty of positives in the loss to Argentina and has paid tribute to the impact Tandy has already made within the national set-up.

There is no let up in the Quilter Autumn Nations, with Japan next up in a fixture that will be crucial for Rugby World Cup rankings.

It was even honours as Wales toured the Land of the Rising Sun in June but five months on, the third meeting will be decisive.

Mann added: “I thought in bits it was really positive. From what Steve and the coaches have brought in there has been really good buy in. The whole 80- minute performance wasn’t there but that’s what we are striving towards. 

“I can’t speak highly enough of Steve and the coaching staff. He is someone you want to play for – already in two weeks that’s clear to see so it’s really positive. 

“Japan are a really good side. We found that out during the summer tour. We have to be at our best and we are expecting a really tough game. We have to be on point but it’s something to look forward to.”