In just two All Blacks appearances, rookie lock Sam Darry has already experienced a wide range of emotions, as the national side regroup from a rare loss against Argentina in their Rugby Championship opener.
From the thrill of debuting in a win against Fiji, his first international try early against the Pumas to the despair of eventual defeat, the newcomer is keeping a level head through his rollercoaster introduction to the black jersey.
"It's been awesome," he insisted. "It's been everything I expected and better.
The rookie lock grabbed his first international try at Wellington. (Source: 1News)
"Obviously, a first loss on the weekend, so that one really hurt. We know how much this team means to New Zealand and how much they back us, so we feel like we let them down a bit.
"In all team sports, no-one likes to lose... in all sports. One thing that's different here is the detail of review, regardless of the result, but this week hurts a wee bit more and forces you to take a longer look at yourself."
After a 21-minute cameo against Fiji in San Diego last month, Darry, 24, has been thrust into the frontline, with injuries to captain Scott Barrett and veteran Patrick Tuipulotu exposing second-row depth.
To his credit, he has handled the rapid promotion well, establishing himself as the All Blacks' top lineout option against Argentina and pouncing on his opportunity to score early in his international career.
When first-five Damian McKenzie fielded a kick inside his own 22 in the 14th minute and counterattacked, Darry was the willing recipient, as fullback Beauden Barrett's kick ahead bounced his way.
"I was about 30 metres back and lucky the ball bounced a couple of times," he reflected. "I was lagging behind a wee bit, but right place, right time.
"The bounce of a rugby ball is a crazy thing and it worked out in my favour that time."
Among those celebrating wildly on the sideline was mum Kat, who has served as All Blacks nutritionist for more than a decade.
Defeat — the first under new coach Scott Robertson — has somewhat tempered the euphoria, but Darry insists the team remain focused on rebounding quickly at Eden Park this weekend.
"We've just got to own our mistakes," he said. "We had a really good review, focused on a few things we can work on and also a few things we did really well.
"Everyone's got to have a look in the mirror, look at their prep and how they turned up for the game and how we can be better.
"We're really clear with how we want to play. There's a few things we want to tweak, but there are things we're really happy with.
"We're not throwing the baby out with the bathwater. We still know what works for us and we'll stick to that, but there are a few things that we can do better."
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