Shaun Stevenson has described the moment he told his family he would become an All Black, after being named for the return Bledisloe Cup clash on Saturday.
The utility back will make his test debut on the right wing, with uncapped Samipeni Finau and Dallas McLeod also named in the matchday squad to play the Wallabies at Dunedin.
Stevenson's long-awaited debut hasn't come easy, missing out on All Blacks coach Ian Foster's initial Rugby Championship squad.
He was only brought in as injury cover for Mark Telea, but with Emoni Narawa nursing an injury and with the Bledisloe Cup already wrapped up, he will finally get his chance.
Stevenson's ascension to All Blacks starter is the culmination of several standout Super Rugby seasons for the Chiefs.
While it hasn't always been smooth sailing, hearing his name read out was a moment he and his family will remember forever.
"It was pretty special," Stevenson said. "The last four weeks have been a grind, but I was just really stoked to finally get a crack in this environment, not just for myself, but for my family and all my mates that have been along on the journey with me as well.
"It still hasn't quite sunk in yet, and it probably won't until we get to the game and finally run out, but it was a moment I'll cherish forever.
"Obviously, [there] were a few tears. My old man and poppa… I don't really see them cry much, so to hear my dad shed a few tears over the phone was pretty special.
"Both are really stoked for me. My family have been there every step of the way through the ups and downs.
"Hopefully, I get to Saturday, and can run out and make them proud."
Stevenson's inclusion wasn't lost on Chiefs teammate Damian McKenzie either, who will start at first-five for the All Blacks at Dunedin.
He couldn't hide his trademark grin, when asked about Stevenson, and admits he zoned out when he heard his name called.
"I was extremely proud," he said. "Obviously, I was stoked when I got named and you hear the rest of the team, and to be honest, after 'Shooter' got named, I missed the bench unfortunately.
"I was just stoked for him. He's had a great season and thoroughly deserves it, and I don't think it's just the season.
"The way he's been training throughout the last month, he really deserves his shot.
"Anytime you get named to play in an All Blacks squad is special, so absolutely wrapped for 'Shooter'."
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