Roger Tuivasa-Sheck's ascent to All Blacks bolter in his first year since switching codes from rugby league surprised few, but still came as a shock to the former NRL standout.
The Blues star midfielder was one of six new faces named in coach Ian Foster's squad for the three-test series against Ireland in July.
His superb form and partnership with fellow All Black, Rieko Ioane was key to the Blues' Super Rugby Pacific success this season, where they finished runners-up to the Crusaders after topping the table.
But Tuivasa-Sheck admits the call-up came as a shock to him, and never even entertained the idea of representing New Zealand so early on.
"Definitely not. It was something that wasn't even written down as a goal or a dream," he said. "It's always been the ultimate dream to earn one of these jerseys at some stage but to be here at this time is unreal and just truly grateful.
"It's been awesome, really overwhelming to be part of this camp. The boys have been awesome, really welcoming and especially the staff too.
"Looking forward to just getting out there and representing the team."
The 29-year-old was a standout in schoolboy rugby for Otahuhu College, and even represented the Blues age-group teams, before he was signed by the Sydney Roosters in the NRL.
Tuivasa-Sheck revealed there have been some tough transition points since returning to rugby, but is looking forward to putting it all together against the tourists next weekend.
"Probably just trying to understand the breakdown and trying to tackle these 120, 140kg props has been the toughest and understanding the defensive system and the breakdown," he said.
"Just day-by-day. Turn up each day, each meeting and soak in all the learnings.
"It's going to be massive. Ireland are a really good team and the ABs are the ABs, they're the best team in the world.
"It's always going to be a big clash and I'm looking forward to the prep and getting there."
The All Blacks will be looking to avenge last year's defeat to Ireland in Dublin, where the hosts ran out 29-20 victors.
All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett remembers the clash all too well, but is confident of a different outcome this time around.
"Obviously the Irish are first up this year and we're pretty excited to get out there next week and give it a good crack at Eden Park," he said.
"We're well aware of what they have in terms of their strengths and how good they are on the international scale.
"You remember those losses. It's important to remember that feeling and take those lessons from any game, whether it's a win or a loss.
"It's easier to take them from a loss and I remember the enormity of the ocasion and the intensity they came out with, we've got to be up for that and bring more this time around."
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