ASK Rhys Gill about his Dublin experience and you will now get contrasting tales of trips to the Irish capital.

Two years ago on the other side of the city at Croke Park, the Rhondda-born Saracen came off the bench for a 'blink and you'll miss it' first cap in the dying embers of a Welsh performance that was as forgettable as any in recent years.

On Sunday in the glistening new arena of the Aviva Stadium, you sensed this was the real launch of Gill's international career.

The 25-year-old is no Gethin Jenkins — there are few props in world rugby who can provide the energy and dynamism of the British Lion around the field.

But even though he was penalised in a couple of scrums, Gill can be more than satisfied with his first 80 minutes of Test rugby with the match stats showing only Ryan Jones (11) carried more than times than the former Cardiff loose-head (10).

"He's got a big future," said front-row colleague Adam Jones. "Like Gethin, he's mobile. Gethin is more of a leader but 'Gilly' carried the ball, he tackled, he did everything we asked of him.

"I've played against him a couple of times this year and he would be one of the better loose-heads.

"A couple of decisions didn't quite go his way. It's obviously a step up from the English Premiership to this level, but I thought he did fantastic."

As for Gill, this sensational Six Nations opener will live long in the memory.

"It went so quick and was just end-to-end. It was my first start in international rugby and it was great to get a victory," he said.

"I was nervous. It was a big occasion, playing away from home in front of all these people but the nerves soon went.

"Last time I came here I had four minutes and it was probably one of the worst results we have probably had in the last four years. It was two years to the day I think, so to get back in the mix is superb because there's so much talent. It's great to be part of it.

"International rugby goes so quickly. You take it minute by minute. I was given that advice by Carlos Nieto (Saracens prop) before the game and it was so true because it was over in a flash.

"It was a tough international 80 minutes, but one I'll remember forever."