All Black debutants from left: Du'Plessis Kirifi, Fabian Holland, Timoci Tavatavanawai. Photo: Andy Jackson/Getty Images
A trio of uncapped players made the pilgrimage to the Coastal Rugby Club in Taranaki where they were officially introduced as new All Blacks.
While equally thrilled about receiving the call-ups, they all took different paths to get to the national side.
Timoci Tavatavanawai. Photo: Photosport
Highlanders co-captain Timoci Tavatavanawai was talked about as a possible inclusion in the squad but he missed the phone call from coach Scott Robertson telling him he was in.
He quickly called him back when he realised.
"I was doing some gardening at home and then I saw the missed call from Razor and I called him straight away."
Fiji-born Tavatavanawai moved to New Zealand in 2017 and his father died in 2022, before he had the chance to return to Fiji to visit him.
He could not attend the funeral due to border restrictions at the time.
He said his dad shared his All Blacks dream.
"It means a lot for me and my family," Tavatavanawai said.
"When I came over here from Fiji, me and my old man we set myself a goal (of making the All Blacks). To think of him watching from above and see me achieve my goal it feels awesome."
Tavatavanawai has been picked in the midfield alongside Jordie Barrett, who has just returned from playing in Ireland, Rieko Ioane, Billy Proctor and Quinn Tupaea, who is back in the side for the first time since 2022.
Joining Tavatavanawai as the other uncapped players are Chiefs prop Ollie Norris, Chiefs hooker Brodie McAlister, Highlanders lock Fabian Holland and Hurricanes flanker Du Plessis Kirifi.
Holland moved from the Netherlands to New Zealand as a teenager to chase his dream of becoming an All Black, first arriving in Christchurch, before heading to Dunedin.
The-now 22-year-old is set to become the first Dutchman to play test rugby for New Zealand.
"It means everything. It's such a special moment," Holland said.
"Growing up in the Netherlands, it's something untouchable. You say it out loud but you don't think it's something that could ever be achieved."
Fabian Holland of the Highlanders. Photo: Steve McArthur
Holland's mum was on hand when he received the call in a case of good timing.
"I was with my foster family, the people that take care of me from Dunedin Sharks. They organised a brunch and my mum was over from the Netherlands, coincidentally," Holland said.
"I got a phone call (from Robertson) and it got pretty emotional after that. The full waterworks."
"Then I called my old man who is still in the Netherlands. I think it was about 1am for him and he was still half asleep. He called me the next morning and said 'Did I dream that' and I told him it was real and it kind of hit him and my sister. It was pretty special."
Holland said he now considers New Zealand home.
"This place for me is home. The people that I've met, the people that I consider as family, both in Dunedin and Christchurch made this place home.
"It's no secret that this (making the All Blacks) has been a dream of mine since a very young age and to get that phone call was very emotional."
While Holland has had the longest geographical journey to the All Blacks, Du Plessis Kirifi has arguably had the longest wait to achieve his goal.
Du Plessis Kirifi. Photo: Elias Rodriguez / www.photosport.nz
At 28 years old he was on the cusp of giving up on his dream and signing a big money deal in Japan, but thought he'd give it one more crack.
"I had a big decision to make at the start of the season about whether I was going to stay in New Zealand or head overseas. My partner, myself and my family felt like I hadn't really given it my all yet and I would be leaving with some questions unanswered," Kirifi said.
"It's a pretty special moment."
Kirifi was alone when he found out he'd made the cut and first called his partner and his parents.
"To be honest I couldn't make sense of what Dad was saying for a minute or two. He went inaudible for a minute.
"They were stoked and there were plenty of tears."
All Blacks coach Scott Robertson said Kirifi has earned his selection.
"Twenty-eight years old, good story isn't it," Robertson said.
"He could have gone easily and got some yen but he wanted to be an All Black. When we were doing his contract it wasn't about the money. I'm really proud he's stayed.
"He's been so mature, consistent and reliable. He can change the game. He's a player that has the ability to influence the game and he's done it with great discipline, so we're (selectors) really pleased."
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