Back-row Ross Moriarty thought a high shot on Gael Fickou could be the last part he played in the Rugby World Cup.
Ross Moriarty feared his Rugby World Cup might be over just 90 seconds after he came on in Wales' quarter-final win over France.
Moriarty was called upon earlier than expected at Oita Stadium on Sunday, replacing the injured Josh Navidi in the first half.
The back-row was soon back on the sideline after being shown a yellow card for catching Gael Fickou with a high tackle.
Moriarty returned to score a decisive late try, having feared referee Jaco Peyper may have ended his tournament and potentially brought Wales' campaign to an end.
"I was just thinking, 'please, please don't be a red'," said Moriarty.
"That was definitely a big moment. I had been on for only 90 seconds and I was thinking to myself, 'if he gives me a red card, this is the end of me'.
"I knew how bad that would be for the team. I've been in that situation before and it's not a nice feeling. I never go into a game intending to do anything that would get me a card or put the team at any risk of not winning.
"It was a mistimed tackle. I closed my eyes and thought he was going to run round me, but he stopped and ducked under me."
He added: "It was nice for me to know I didn't cause any damage. I talked to him [Fickou] after the game and he was absolutely fine. We had a good laugh.
"I knew when I came back on I had to be very, very squeaky clean and make sure I didn't do any more damage to the team and myself.
"But it does stick in your mind. I was thinking, 'Please, no one come near me'. Sometimes people slip up in tackles, players duck and dive. It's a contact sport - it's inevitable sometimes. Fortunately, there were no other incidents in the game."
