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Israel Dagg: The unique experience of making your All Blacks debut
Israel Dagg • July 19th, 2024 12:49 pm
Being named in the All Blacks squad is one thing, but being selected to take the field in the treasured jersey is something money can't buy.
I'll never forget the moment I was presented with my All Blacks jersey, the day of the game. That iconic All Blacks jersey that you could only dream of as a young kid. Now, physically, in the palm of your hands.
The blackness, the silver fern, your name, the date and the team you're about to play. Your history, your heritage will always be etched in the All Blacks legacy. I'm getting goosebumps thinking about it.
To think there's only ever been 1214 All Blacks players really puts it into perspective. The club these players are about to be a part of, and the amount of expectations and pressure that comes with it.
I will always remember that day when I was presented my jersey and people often asked me 'what goes on? What happens on game day?'.
You walk into a room and the jerseys are placed on a chair around the room and your name, your socks, your jersey is sitting there right in front of your eyes. But if you have not played a game, your seat is empty and you're wondering 'have they forgotten that I'm playing in this game?'.
But no, you have to wait because there's a big presentation that is going to take place and it's often presented by one of your leaders.
I was lucky enough to be presented by Richie McCaw, arguably one of our greatest of all time. He stands up front and he has his jersey in his hand, and he talks about what it means to represent this famous team and the expectations, the pressure that comes with it.
But he leaves you with one quote, "do your job" - You've got 14 others around this room that are arguably the best in the world. All you have to focus on is your job. Don't worry about what others are doing. You nail your job and the rest will come. It's a phenomenal time.
You get given two jerseys - one that you wear and you get one that you can give away. I know that because my brother stole my other one, so I actually had no jerseys. So cherish them, hide them away, because your family members are going to come and steal them.
There's an omen that you don't put your jersey on before you go out and play. But I'll tell you what I did - I stood in the mirror, put my jersey on, did some flexing, did the haka and just went 'yes, I'm ready to rip in!'.
There's going to be six players this weekend against Fiji who are going to receive their jersey, five off the bench. They will cherish it. They will remember it.
Go well men and welcome to the club.
