Fehi Fineanganofo made his All Blacks debut in New Zealand's 34-32 victory over France in Christchurch on Saturday, but the occasion nearly overwhelmed the winger.
The debutant vomited at halftime from nerves. "I didn't think I'd be that nervous, I was sitting on the bench and nearly vomiting. At halftime I was in the toilet spewing, I felt better after it," Fineanganofo said.
Fineanganofo was one of three debutants in the test, alongside prop Xavier Numia and lock Jamie Hannah, who was called up at lunchtime on match day to replace Patrick Tuipulotu.
After the final whistle, Fineanganofo struggled to contain his emotions while meeting his family. "[My family] couldn't stop crying and I was just trying to keep strong there and not cry outside. I'll cry back in the changing room," he said. "I couldn't believe it at first, but once I got on, I just couldn't stop thinking about family and how proud they would be."
Hannah, a Canterbury product, debuted on home turf in front of local supporters. "It's a childhood dream. To get the opportunity to do it in front of my friends and family was just unreal," he said.
Both players spoke of needing to adapt to the pace of international rugby. "A huge step, but the boys helped me out. I just found my footing and it was good. It's a lot faster, so I had to get back quickly," Fineanganofo said.
The All Blacks held on for the win despite France scoring in the 77th minute while trailing by two points. Peter Lakai, playing at blindside flanker rather than his usual number eight, acknowledged the tense finish and described the performance as slightly sloppy despite the victory.