Rugby: Primary school photo emerges online of new All Blacks hero George Bridge

A future All Black is among the kids in this photo from Awapuni School in 2001. Photo / Facebook

George Bridge has been all the talk since an impressive All Blacks debut on Saturday night.

Labelled as potentially the next Ben Smith, Bridge impressed with his performance against Japan in Tokyo when he came off the bench for Nehe Milner-Skudder just after halftime.

The 23-year-old scored with his first touch of the ball five minutes after stepping onto the pitch - only to follow thirteen minutes later with what was considered the try of the night.

Praise for the up-and-comer flooded in from across the internet but it was a photo posted by Bridge's Gisborne primary school that caught the eye of social media users.

Here is a very young George Bridge at Awapuni School in 2001, who made an impressive start in his first cap for the All Blacks last night. We look forward to following his All Blacks career.

Posted by Awapuni School - Gisborne on Saturday, November 3, 2018

Awapuni School posted a photo from 2001 where a young six-year-old Bridge can be spotted to the left of his teacher.

"Here is a very young George Bridge at Awapuni School in 2001, who made an impressive start in his first cap for the All Blacks last night. We look forward to following his All Blacks career," the school wrote on Facebook.

The post has since been widely shared online with some users recalling memories of the Crusaders star's school rugby days.

"I recall one of his first games playing for our school. Played full back. Caught a high ball and skipped through the older boys no trouble. Great rugby instincts right from the get go. Wish his proud grandfather Hec Hansen was still around to relish the pride," one person wrote.

George Bridge scored two tries in his debut. Photo / Photosport

"He had a great first game. 2 tries. look forward to seeing him in ABs again."

Describing his debut as a dream come true, Bridge said his first taste of international rugby was unreal.

"I've been dreaming for this moment pretty much since day dot, I think," Bridge said after the match.

"To be able to run out there in the black jersey tonight is pretty unreal ... "I just wanted to nail my role tonight and I felt I did that alright.

"A few of us got the opportunity to run out there tonight, and I think we did the black jersey proud."