Curwin Bosch's dream debut for South Africa against Argentina, in front about 45 000 screaming fans at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, almost turned into a nightmare.
Bosch replaced the excellent Elton Jantjies at flyhalf with about eight minutes remaining in the Rugby Championship match on Saturday, which the hosts won 37-15.
He received an unbelievable welcome from his home supporters in Port Elizabeth, the very people who had watched him become one of the hottest talents in South African rugby.
It was easily the loudest cheer of the night.
However, his first touch in international rugby was disastrous and almost led to a try for Los Pumas. With the Boks under pressure deep in their own 22, Bosch received the ball close to his tryline and was forced to make the clearing kick.
But the 20-year-old took what felt like an age to get the ball onto his usually trusty right boot, and his kick was charged down.
Luckily, the ball bounced right for the Boks at their Nelson Mandela Bay fortress -- the South Africans are still unbeaten at this venue -- and the home side could clear their lines.
But it was one hell of an introduction to Test rugby for the talented Bosch.
"It was special running out for my first cap, being back at home is quite nice. Besides the first kick, it was a great feeling and really one of the most special moments in my career," said Bosch told the media.
Two years ago, he was sitting on the school benches of Grey High, about four kilometres from this match venue, thinking about this exact moment: "It's any South African rugby player's dream to play for the Springboks.
"If you play a lot of Super Rugby and Currie Cup, your chances are just going to get better and better. I'm grateful for the opportunity," he added.
Bosch made his name as a flyhalf at SA Schools Week -- Craven Week -- in 2014 and 2015, but has played many matches at fullback for the SA Under-20 team, as well as for the Sharks at Currie Cup and Super Rugby level.
Going into the Boks' Rugby Championship opener against Argentina, coach Allister Coetzee also mentioned that Bosch would be covering 10 and 15 on the bench. There is the concern, though, that the youngster should concentrate on one position and not end up like Frans Steyn, whose international career has been plagued by positional switches.
Bosch, though, seems to be the only person not bothered about where he plays. Now that he has had a taste of the green and gold, and the Bok culture, he probably wouldn't mind playing his next Test in the front row.
Coetzee gave him some simple advice ahead of the match, said Bosch: "He said I must be myself and that he backs me. It's just up to me to do what I do best.
"At the moment, I'm still developing as a rugby player and as an athlete. For now, my focus is to get better as a rugby player and improving, learning something new every day.
"Whether it's 15 or 10, that question will be answered in the future. I'm just grateful to the Sharks and the Springboks for the opportunities they have given me."
Sound advice, because, if Bosch what he does best, there will be fewer charge downs and more wins for the Boks.