Saula Ma’u couldn’t hold back the tears after achieving his dream of becoming an All Black.
The Highlanders prop made his debut off the bench in the 41-35 win over the Lions in Johannesburg and helped steady the All Blacks scrum after some earlier troubles.
“It was unreal. A couple of weeks ago I was back at home playing for Otago, and then two weeks later, I’m playing for the All Blacks,” Ma’u said.
“It just feels amazing, unreal, because obviously that was always a goal of mine, one day to play for the All Blacks.”
Ma’u was called into the squad as an injury replacement for Ollie Norris and now that he’s had a taste of All Blacks rugby, he wants more.
Saula Ma’u playing for the Highlanders.
Photosport
“Coming into camp last week, it just feels crazy to be in that environment,” Ma’u said.
“The boys have been making me feel welcome, the coaches, just getting me up to speed, and yeah, it’s a dream come true, and obviously I want more of it, we’ll see what happens.”
Ma’u helped the All Blacks gain some control in the latter stages of the game after what had been a pretty patchy performance from the tourists against a Lions side who came out firing at the start of both halves and led for large parts of the match.
Born in Tonga, Ma’u become emotional when asked what becoming an All Black meant to him, his family and all those who had helped him along the way.
“Firstly, I just want to say thanks to the Heavenly Father for the blessings he gave me to wear the black jersey, and obviously my friends and family back home, my partner, Mia, mum and dad,” Ma’u said.
“Just grateful for the coaching staff for giving me a chance to represent my family and my friends, my village back home.
“Yeah, just hopefully I make them proud, sorry guys,” Ma’u said, tearing up.
Saula Ma’u on the charge for the Highlanders.
Aaron Gillions / www.photosport.nz
The 140kg and 194cm (6 ft 4) prop moved to New Zealand to attend Auckland Grammar School when he was 15.
He said if his 10-year-old self could see him now he would be thrilled with his achievement.
“I think he’ll be happy, just running around back in Tonga, I’m sure he’ll be happy.”
Many All Blacks players swapped their jerseys with their Lions opposites after the game at Ellis Park, but Ma’u wasn’t letting his first All Blacks jersey out of his sight.
“I’m going to keep mine, I’m probably going to sleep with it tonight, I’m going to keep it in a safe place.”
