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Eroni Clarke may not have been on the field Sunday afternoon, but he was still a big part of the All Blacks’ 27-7 win over the Wallabies thanks to his son Caleb’s impressive first outing in the black jersey. .
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The former All Black was happy to see his son join the legacy of the number 11 jersey. Source: 1 NEWS
The young wing starred in the All Blacks in front of a packed Eden Park and although his father was not playing, he was still appearing on the stadium’s big screen much to the delight of the crowd.
However, for Eroni, she was happy to play a calmer role.
“The first thought that came to mind [when I was on the big screen] it was, ‘can we just keep it for the boys, please?’ “Eroni told 1 NEWS.
“But what was really nice was listening to the crowd and that they got it too: a father and a son.”
Ahead of Sunday’s game, Eroni said there were a lot of nerves in the family over the 21-year-old’s first All Black start after he made a successful debut last week as a substitute at Wellington.
“I think that’s one of those things as a parent, that if Caleb has any nervousness, you need to take care of that so he can play his best,” said the former 24-proof All Black.
“As a family we got together, we prayed, we wanted him to be successful more than anything else and we asked God for help.
“But it was really good. It was good construction, beautiful weather and then to get to the park, what a beautiful occasion and the land was also in good shape.”
As the game unfolded, those nerves began to fade with Caleb dividing the Wallabies defense at will with his power and speed before setting up a second-half attempt with an inspired run through five defenders.
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The young winger lost his grandfather earlier this year, but said he felt his presence at Eden Park. Source: 1 NEWS
“I was on my feet yelling, ‘Go Caleb, go Caleb,'” Clarke said, remembering the special moment.
However, along with his pride as a father, Clarke said he was also happy for his son as a former All Black who was now adding his own history with the legendary number 11 jersey after spending six seasons between 1992 and 1998 doing it himself.
“The desire for him to play well and serve that jersey well is something, everything as a father, but also as All Black as well, it’s what you want it to be.”
Clarke said it has been important throughout her son’s career to remind him that he is playing his own game, rather than following in his father All Black’s footsteps.
“One of the things for Caleb, and for me as a father and son, was to really take those expectations out of him to help him express that gift and talent without having to live up to, ‘oh my dad was a All Black and my grandfather was an international rugby player for [Samoa]’.
“And what we’re seeing now, my new name is Caleb’s dad, so he’s building and doing really well making his way into the sport.”
Caleb now heads to Australia with the All Blacks for the series with the Wallabies and Argentina, where he will look to add to his impressive international rookie season.
