German-born Anton Segner remembers rising early to watch the All Blacks' haka before the 2011 Rugby World Cup final against France – now he is set to make his New Zealand debut against the French next month.
That haka and the 8-7 New Zealand victory set Segner on a rugby path he could never have imagined.
It culminated on Monday with the flanker being named by coach Dave Rennie in the 34-man All Blacks squad for next month's home Nations Championship tests against France, Italy and Ireland.
Segner was introduced to rugby by two English school friends in his native Frankfurt and was quickly hooked.
"Like every other German kid, I did grow up playing football until I was nine years old," Segner said.
"One day after school, we went around to their house and they were, like, we should go play rugby in the backyard.
"Once I figured out that you were able to hit people legally, I fell in love with the contact side of the sport."
A week later, he joined the SC 1880 Frankfurt rugby club and, under New Zealand coaches Kieran and Tim Manawatu, worked his way through the youth ranks.
"They coached me over there for five years," the 24-year-old Segner explained.
"In 2016, Tim got a job at Tasman Rugby and got me in touch with Nelson College and planted the seed in my head around maybe giving the first 15 a crack."
'SURREAL FEELING'
Segner got a place at Nelson College in New Zealand and his captain on arriving was Leicester Fainga'anuku, now also an All Black.
Segner succeeded Fainga'anuku as captain and, in 2020, began playing professional rugby for Tasman in New Zealand's provincial competition.
Two years later he was running out for Super Rugby's Blues.
Segner, who qualifies to play for New Zealand on residency grounds, is now set to become the first German All Black if he takes the field against France on July 4 in Christchurch.
"It's a surreal feeling and I don't think words can do justice to the emotions that I'm feeling right now," Segner said on Monday.
"I know that there were a few people (in Germany) who got up at two o'clock in the morning for the squad announcement.
"To know that I have that support over on the other side of the world in my other home is pretty special, it means a lot to me."
Segner said his family will travel to New Zealand for the three Nations Championship tests, and he couldn't think of a better team to begin his All Blacks career against than France.
"We (Germans) dislike the French football team more and the All Blacks dislike the French rugby team more," he said.
"I think there's a good chance that the German football team might meet the French in the World Cup, so when it gets to that stage, I won't like them for two reasons."
New captain Ardie Savea welcomed Segner's inclusion in a multicultural All Blacks squad.
"When people come together under one goal they're trying to achieve and you embrace the people and their stories," said Savea, "it can be a beautiful thing."