FIRST TASTE

“This was either our first or last game of the U21 World Cup because I can tell it’s at Ellis Park. For me, that was the first time wearing the black jersey with a silver fern. It wasn’t quite an All Blacks jersey but was a stepping stone to reaching my dream.

“Unfortunately we got beaten by South Africa in the semi. It was my first opportunity to represent my country – a very proud moment. It was also my first long-distance travel and a real eye-opener.”