New All Blacks back-row Peter Lakai is keen to make the most of his promotion to head coach Scott Robertson’s squad for their upcoming clash with Japan in Yokohama on Saturday.
Robertson has added the Hurricanes star and Chiefs second-row Josh Lord to his matchday squad for the clash with the Brave Blossoms as injury replacements for Ethan Blackadder (calf), Luke Jacobson (thumb) and Dalton Papali’i (hamstring).
The duo were initially included in the All Blacks XV squad for next month’s matches against Munster and Georgia which meant Lakai was also preparing for Saturday’s National Provincial Championship (NPC) final in New Zealand between the Wellington Lions and Bay of Plenty.
Change of plans after Robertson’s phone call
However, the 21-year-old’s world changed when he answered a phone call from Robertson earlier this week.
“Ray [Robertson] called me last Monday,”” said Lakai. “I was getting ready to head into Lions training and he gave me the call.
“Everything sort of went from there. I am here now.
“I am just looking forward to the opportunity, learning off a few older guys such as Sam [Cane] and taking in some of his experience and taking my game to the next level.”
Lakai’s selection to New Zealand‘s senior side is a fitting reward as he was in fine form for the Hurricanes in Super Rugby Pacific, which earned him a call up to an All Blacks training camp earlier in the season.
“Peter has slipped straight in,” said Robertson.
“We had him in for a week earlier in the year, a hell of a humble young kid. Good athlete as we know, he slotted right in.”
While he is happy that he is now close to making his Test debut, Lakai admitted that he had conflicting emotions about missing out on the NPC final.
‘Excited for the opportunity to be in here’
“Gutted I can’t finish off the season with the boys, but obviously excited for the opportunity to be in here, amongst some of the best footy players going around,” he said.
“Mixed feelings, but just happy. Happy.”
Lakai said he is trying to make the most of his time in the All Blacks’ environment.
“I just try to get over my detail, try not to be spoon fed… Be courageous in my prep, and if the opportunity comes it comes I guess,” he added.
“I sort of hover around guys in my position, such as Ardie [Savea] and Sammy Cane. Sammy Cane is my roomie, so I get around him. Anything I am unsure of, he helps me out.”
