Qualified engineer Charvis has been a key figure in Hansen’s building programme over those two years but says the responsibility for making sure the last two years are not in vain rests with the squad.
“There was quite a bit of emotion on the field and in the stands that we had won but I think it will mean more that we continue to work, said Charvis. “Everyone asked if we wanted to win this one for Steve, but I think he will be more pleased if the work he has put in over the last two years is carried on for the next two years and the two after that. That will be his legacy.
“Steve has said that he will be more satisfied that he has done his job knowing that we’re still building on the team ethic and professional attitude he has instilled. I will be the first player to admit that he has not only developed me as a player but also as a captain and a person and for that I will always be grateful. I’m sure the rest of the squad will something similar.”
While Charvis has been a near constant figure alongside Hansen he has also shared almost all of his sixty-eight caps with Gareth Thomas who yesterday set a new record. Thomas’s score on fifty-sxi minutes was his thirty-fourth at this level to surpass Ieuan Evans as Wales’s most prolific try scorer.
Charvis said: “Ieuan’s record was remarkable and it stood for a very long time, but now the credit will shift to Gareth and he deserves everything he gets. Breaking that record didn’t happen by accident, it was down to his resolute professionalism.
“There have been times when he was dropped and times when he was injured but he always fought his way back every time to do his best for the team. I’m sure he and Ieuan will have a chat and there will be some patting on the back and they will deserve it for the tremendous work they have done for Wales.”
