All Blacks star Caleb Clarke talks about why his ‘heart sank’ in ‘roller coaster’ test debut

If there are positives to draw from the All Blacks’ 16 draw with the Wallabies in the opening round of the year’s Bledisloe Cup, the efforts of newly crowned New Zealand winger Caleb Clarke would have to be one of them.

Named to the All Blacks bench, the 21-year-old was rewarded for a fast-paced campaign with the Blues when he was injected into yesterday’s game in Wellington as a replacement for Damian McKenzie with just over 10 minutes to play.

In doing so, he was presented with his first test cap for the All Blacks, and marked the occasion with multiple flashes of the destructive power that made him such a force to be reckoned with in Super Rugby Aotearoa.

All Blacks coach Ian Foster and captain Sam Cane speak to the media

As the rain poured down on the New Zealand capital’s Sky Stadium, Clarke became a constant threat on the left wing, using his 1.89m and 107kg build to constantly push his way through the Australian defensive line as he laid his hands on the ball.

It was a cameo that was worthy of sparking a selection debate ahead of the second round of the Bledisloe Cup in Auckland this week on whether he deserves a spot in the starting lineup at Eden Park.

There would be many advocates for Clarke’s promotion to starting XV rather than George Bridge, who assisted in Aaron Smith’s attempt and played a role in the run-up to Jordie Barrett’s scoring, but otherwise lacked the impetus that Clarke provided. .

However, this is not exactly how Clarke will remember his first appearance with the All Blacks.

While the All Blacks Sevens star was impressive in attack, the youngster – who emulated his father and former All Blacks midfielder Eroni while playing for New Zealand – took a stronger view of his performance.

In fact, there was a moment in the final stages of the game that stands out for Clarke, when Australian utility running back Reece Hodge lined up a potentially game-winning penalty shot from within his own half within three minutes of injury time.

Renowned for his long-distance goal shots, Hodge was unlucky that his 53-meter effort denied him the right post, but a spill of the wet ball by Clarke from the rebound left him anxious about how that might have affected. to the result.

“When they took that penalty halfway through, I expected one to miss, and it did, but I ended up dropping that ball on the posts, so at first my heart sank,” Clarke said, reflecting on a frantic injury time period. . which lasted nine minutes.

“My first thought was, ‘Did I just miss the game?’ But then we fought and defended our line really well. I just hoped they didn’t penalize us. “

WHAT?! Is. Latest. 8. Minutes. From. Rugby. ? ? ?

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A dogged defensive effort by the All Blacks ensured the hosts were not penalized on their own try line, with an Ardie Savea fumble that kept Clarke from flushing from what could have been a disastrous moment in a good debut from proof.

That produced an attacking charge downfield that forced the Wallabies to hold fast on their try line, but a lack of ball-in-hand execution or attempted a drop goal meant that victory proved difficult for both sides.

Then the rotation happened, and then [we] We just wanted to attack, we just wanted to get that first win, and I thought we were when we were on his line, so it was quite an emotional rollercoaster, for me personally, “recalled Clarke.

Despite his late hit, Clarke said he was “excited” to have made his first appearance on the international stage.

“It’s quite surreal when you do something, when you reach such a great goal in your life. It’s a great process working towards that, so I’m still excited.

“The only thing that strikes me, though, is dropping that kick on the posts, that last penalty.

“But I am very happy to mark something so great in my life, and to be able to do it together with my colleagues Patty [Patrick Tuipulotu] and Hosk [Hoskins Sotutu]Along with the people I grew up with, yes, it’s special. “

It remains to be seen if All Blacks head coach Ian Foster and his fellow selectors will play in the starting lineup for Test 2 this Sunday, but Clarke is keen to add to his hometown testing account.

“Now I have that first test, I just want a little more now, and see what Fozzie has to say, but overall, I’m really happy and grateful to be on the field first and then play.”