When Wales smashed Scotland in record-breaking fashion just seven days ago, the experienced Llanelli Scarlets centre had no realistic ambitions of facing final RBS 6 Nations Championship opponents Ireland.

But injuries to wing Rhys Williams - and replacement back Hal Luscombe - handed 32-year-old Taylor an unexpected call-up, in an unfamiliar number 14 jersey, that he did not finally know about until barely 24 hours before kick-off.

So of all the Welsh players pinching themselves, Taylor probably had more reason than most to struggle taking in Wales staggering achievement.

I knew on Friday afternoon I would be starting. I wouldnt say I was mentally ready for it (playing on the wing) until about half past five on Saturday! Taylor claimed.

When I first started playing club rugby at Pontypool, I probably had a season on the wing. Before Saturday, my biggest game as a wing would have been when Nigel Walker (former Olympic sprint hurdler) was first on the scene.

My third or fourth game for Pontypool, I actually played against him. I think I just tackled Nigel every time the ball touched the scrum-halfs hands!

It all feels a bit surreal, really, and it has been a truly bizarre season.

Last December, I was in hospital with an eye problem, wondering if I would play again. Ive since played two games and I had 30 minutes in the IRB Tsunami match last month, and then I started for Wales on the wing in a Grand Slam match, he added.

It has been an odd season, but then again, I dont think I would change things now. It is probably the sweetest moment of my life to be part of a Grand Slam team.

Taylor had contemplated retirement after the 2003 World Cup, when he helped Wales reach the quarter-finals, yet that 50-cap target is now tantalisingly close.

If you look at the (Wales) centre spots, I think Gavin Henson and Tom Shanklin both deserve to go with the Lions this summer as a pair, because theyve been superb, Taylor said.

Youve also got Sonny (Parker), who did very well in the autumn Tests, so centre is a very tough place to try to get into in this team.

I am on 49 caps now, so somehow, I need to poison them all to get my 50th!

Retirement had crossed my mind a while ago, after the last World Cup, but the way the professional game is going, you keep yourself so fit, it just seems silly to retire when you are still feeling great.

When you are right physically - and mentally, I still feel quite fresh - I just think I will hang around and see what happens. They will have to retire me, rather than me retire.

After the game on Saturday, I found myself wandering around in the changing rooms, not really knowing what to do with myself. It was such a big buzz, he continued.

I never imagined seeing the Six Nations trophy in the Welsh changing room. There have been so many dark times, to actually come off the field with a trophy and medal was incredible.

I didnt want to have a shower - I didnt want to get out of the jersey.