Game day nerves were all time about to go into the biggest game of Rugby that I'd ever played - that I would probably ever play!
Alot of time and work since I had started with the All Blacks had been around the mental side of the game and performing under pressure - embracing the challenge that we were facing and all that came with it. For me it was about getting that mind-body connection to play with a clear head and trusting my instinct and nailing my job every moment.
My game day prep was a bit different to other games - I tried to copy usual routine but timings were out as we had an earlier kickoff. I always have to have a game day nap so I'm used to napping around 4pm(for 735pm game) but because kick off today was a bit earlier, it meant waking up earlier then usual to squeeze in a lunchtime kip.
My breakfast was the usual - 2 bits of toast with 2 poached eggs, avocado and salmon. I have some porridge as well with fruit. I usually try and get through 1.5L between waking and finishing breakfast.
I'll have a smoothie few hours later but the rest of the morning was chilling watching Narcos in my room until we had a walk through around mid day before lunch.
Lunch was our prematch meal 4hours before kick off - I just had a piece of chicken, a bit of baked beans and some mashed potato (carb loading haha)
That got me through until we arrived to the stadium and I had a banana and a few lollies.
I remember the atmosphere was something else - the entrance into Twickenham Stadium is a long drive down this path and it was packed people everywhere just going crazy - a few aussie supporters giving us the finger 🙄. I had headphones on full blast but could still here people cheering out.
There was so much pregame hype - the changing room was so chill though, the talk was just around enjoying the occasion, not letting it overwhelm us and trusting ourselves to do what we do. We walked out the dark tunnel to a huge opening with a roar, airforce fighter planes zooming over the stadium, fireworks and a packed out Twickenham - I couldn't wipe the smile off my face, soaking it all up.
The game itself went so fast - the boys were on in the first half and felt like we were making a lot of the play but weren't getting points. I remember we had a set play off line out where we did a close strike play and then switched back with me and a few forwards on the blind. Colesy made a half break down the flank and we went a few more phases before some magical interplay by the Smith's (Nuggy & Snakey) and Skip (Richie) put me over for a try in the corner. That felt pretty neat in that moment to score and be on the end of the chain but more so the fact we got points right on half time.
The 2nd half flew by with a couple of nervous moments when Aussie started to come back and made for an "entertaining" finish. I remember being on the sideline (got replaced with about 15 to go) and losing it when Baz (Beauden) scored that final try. The euphoria when the whistle went as we stormed the field and celebrated with the boys was surreal.
We did the lap of the stadium acknowledging the support and I felt like I had a sore jaw from smiling the whole time. I had a warm embrace and a few tears shared with my partner and mother who had made the trip over. While the field and most of the boys had cleared away back into the changing room, the stadium lights starting to dim, I sat on the stage with Liam & Tawera and tried to comprehend what just happened.. there we were 3 proud Māori boys on the world stage doing snow angels in confetti - living the dream.