There wasn't a prouder spectator at Manurewa Rugby Club on Wednesday than Terry Read, father of Papakura product Kieran Read.
After watching his son shine through 109 tests for the All Blacks, you'd think the relatively minor affair of a pre-season match between a Counties trial side and Tasman would barely register on the scale of enthusiasm.
But that couldn't have been further from the truth for Terry, as he watched his son run on to Mountfort Park to make his 'debut' for the province he once proudly represented.
While it wasn't quite the red, white and black stripes synonymous with the Steelers - but try telling Terry that.
"It's very, very special," he told Newshub, choking back the tears. "I've probably been waiting 20 years for this day.
"It might be the one and only time he plays for Counties, so I wanted to see it and enjoy it."
The Crusaders skipper appeared in a 40-minute cameo as part of his pathway back to the Super Rugby ranks, following back surgery in December.
Read grew up playing his club rugby for Drury and was captain of the 1st XV at local Rosehill College, before making his way south for a professional career with Canterbury just a year removed from school.
Mild-mannered Terry admitted there was no shortage of emotion witnessing his son exit the changing sheds as part of the Counties Cavaliers to the cheers of 300-odd locals in attendance.
"It's been quite an emotional day. Just the fact that he's up here, playing in my colours, I suppose."
The number eight hasn't played since the test against Wales on the All Blacks' annual European tour and, according to his dad, today's efforts were predictably muted, as he worked his way back into game shape.
"It was probably what I expected it to be," Terry noted. "A couple of line-out takes and he carted the ball up a few times, a few tackles - that's what he does.
"He's easing his way back into it. As long as he comes through this alright, I think the plan is to get back into Super Rugby."
So, what's it like living the dream of Kiwi fathers across the nation with a son captaining the All Blacks?
"It's just been surreal really," Terry said, with a disbelieving shake of his head.
"You don't expect your son's going to be in the All Blacks, let alone be there 10 years and play over 100 games.
"My wife, Marilyn, and I have enjoyed every minute of it, and we've been lucky enough to get to a lot of the games to see him.
"It's always nice to get a free ticket up in the stand there."
Newshub
Tune into Newshub at 6pm for more from Kieran Read's grassroots comeback
