BRISBANE - The newest All Black, Ben Atiga, had plenty to smile about at the weekend as he reflected on the sharp side-step his rugby career had taken.
Atiga became the 1037th All Black when he replaced fullback Mils Muliaina for the last four minutes against Tonga.
A day later he was
cheering as his Auckland team won the NPC first division final over Wellington.
In a performance that highlighted the brilliance of the New Zealand backline, Atiga barely had a chance to show why he is rated among the most talented players in the game.
His one touch of the ball was met by a wall of Tongan defenders close to his own line.
It didn't matter for Atiga, 20, who is still coming to terms with his promotion a week ago when Ben Blair was ruled out of the tournament because of a neck injury.
"I enjoyed watching the boys play and making my own opinion of the team.
"Just to be here now is a big shock. It's surreal. It's still sinking in, the fact that I'm here."
With his parents born in New Zealand from Samoan and Tongan stock, his opponents on test debut made the occasion even more special.
"Any team would have been good," he said, "but to come up against Tonga was a great experience for me."
- NZPA
