Du'Plessis Kirifi didn't have much time to think about his first All Blacks start.
He was thrust into the run on side moments before kickoff in the third and final test against France in Hamilton after Luke Jacobson was a late withdrawal.
Kirifi would start at openside, with captain Ardie Savea switching to No.8.
"To play any game for the All Blacks is special, but to be told you're starting out of the blue, you don't have enough time to really react," Kirifi said.
"But when you get a moment in the changing room before you run out, I think it starts to sink in that you're going to be wearing the No.7 jersey for the All Blacks."
Du’Plessis Kirifi scores against France. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Openside flanker is one of the most scrutinised positions in the All Blacks and whoever wears the No.7 jersey will inevitably be compared to the likes of Richie McCaw and Sir Michael Jones.
"Then there's a little pressure of who has gone before and who has worn that jersey in the past," Kirifi said.
"I hope that tonight in the tinniest way possible that I could help out and benefit the (All Blacks) No.7 legacy."
Kirifi insisted he wasn't overwhelmed by the late call up to the starting XV, though he said it was always bittersweet when it was because of an injury to another player.
"We're all professionals and we're all prepared to play. In the first test Damian McKenzie came on one minute into the game. You're always prepared for that situation. Whether or not it happens is another question.
"Obviously I'm gutted for Luke (Jacobson). He's worked extremely hard to get back into the environment and into the starting jersey."
Du’Plessis Kirifi celebrates with Ruben Love. Photo: Brett Phibbs / www.photosport.nz
Kirifi said you had to prepare as if you were going to play 80 minutes.
"Physically, you're still getting the work done throughout the week. Mentally, I think if you let yourself fall into the trap of 'I'm only going to come on for 10 or 20 minutes', then when something like tonight happens, you're caught out," Kirifi said.
"As we've seen throughout the week we've had multiple injuries in our back line. So Will Jordan, who wasn't even supposed to be playing, is now starting (late replacement for Rieko Ioane). That's the reality of contact sport. Prepare to play and if the time comes you're ready."
Kirifi not only made his first test start but also scored a try in the All Blacks come from behind 29-19 win, which sealed a 3-nil series sweep.
"Obviously it's pretty cool to get your first test try for the All Blacks," Kirifi said.
"A pretty typical No.7 try. A bit opportunistic there at the end of a loose ball... I was just extremely lucky on the back of a good kick and a good chase.
"A cool moment getting the first meat pie (try), but I was just really glad that the pressure we were applying throughout that second half found a way to turn into points."
Du’Plessis Kirifi of New Zealand celebrates his try, New Zealand All Blacks v France. Photo: Brett Phibbs/www.photosport.nz
Kirifi and the All Blacks will have a small break before turning their attention to the Rugby Championship. The squad is named early next month, with the All Blacks first game in Argentina on 17 August.
Kirifi was honest in his assessment about how much he had learned after three weeks of test rugby.
"I'm not going to lie. Not a lot," Kirifi said.
"You always know it's a step up and you try to prepare as best as possible. Whether or not you're prepared is another question.
"I've always been aware of the intensity, the physicality and the level up that it is. My job and the challenge for me is to just continue to keep growing and trying to reach that intensity and that level accurately."
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