Fehi Fineanganofo’s dream All Blacks debut came with an unexpected hurdle.
The young wing admitted he was so nervous before Saturday’s Test against France that he vomited in the changing room.
The 23-year-old made his first appearance for New Zealand during their 34-32 victory, replacing Caleb Clarke for the closing stages, but confessed the biggest battle came before he even stepped onto the field.
“I was sitting on the bench and nearly vomiting,” Fineanganofo said.
“I was like, I’m not even on the field yet, I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when I am on the field.”
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The nerves only intensified during the half-time break.
“At halftime, I was in the toilet, spewing,” he said. “I felt better after.”
Fineanganofo earned his Test call-up after a sensational Super Rugby campaign in which he scored a record 17 tries for the Hurricanes.
But he had already signed a contract to play for English club Newcastle from the end of November and New Zealanders playing overseas are ineligible to play for the All Blacks.
Fineanganofo’s agent is now working to extricate him from the contract with Newcastle to allow him the chance of playing for New Zealand at next year’s World Cup.
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As of Saturday night there was no change in the contract situation, but the 23-year-old said family had helped him realise that he wanted to stay in New Zealand.
They celebrated his debut with a homemade Polynesian-style “lolly necklace”.
“It’s kind of a Tongan or Polynesian thing just to celebrate achievement,” he said. “Sadly I can’t have any of these because I’m watching my weight, so I’ll give them to the boys.”
Fineanganofo admitted it was an emotional moment for those closest to him.
“All my family, parents, they couldn’t stop crying and I was just trying to keep it strong and not cry outside. I’ll cry back in the changing room.”
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All Blacks captain Ardie Savea praised the debutant’s contribution after the match.
“The guys that played their first Test match were outstanding,” Savea said.
“They came on, did their job and had a few good carries so I’m just really pleased for them and their families.”
– AFP
Photo: Phil Walter/Getty Images
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Fehi Fineanganofo’s dream All Blacks debut came with an unexpected hurdle.
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