Fehi Fineanganofo on All Blacks debut: 'At halftime I was in the toilet spewing'

Fehi Fineanganofo became an All Black on Saturday night in Christchurch, playing the final 12 minutes of a tight win against France after a supremely nerve-wracking wait on the bench.

The 23-year-old told reporters after the game that he didn’t expect to be so nervous, and that coming close to throwing up was normal for him when the nerves hit.

However, as he awaited the moment he was to realise a childhood dream, with his family in the stands to watch it happen, Fineanganofo said the nerves and emotions got the better of him at one point.

“At halftime, I was in the toilet spewing. I felt better after,” he laughed.

The softly-spoken Hurricanes star, fresh off a season in which he broke the Super Rugby record for most tries in a single campaign, recalled his 68 minutes on the bench as an agonising wait.

“I was sitting on the bench and nearly vomiting. I was like, I’m not even on the field yet, I can’t imagine what it’ll be like when I am on the field.”

Wearing a wide grin and clear relief to have his first minutes in the Test arena now under his belt, Fineanganofo said the nerves quickly dissipated with his first carry after taking the field.

“I was still in shock, and then once I had my first touch of the ball, all the nerves just went, and I just realised I was in it.

“I was just happy (when coming off the field), and I want more. I’m hungry for more. I can’t wait.”

The former All Blacks Sevens ace, who competed at the 2024 Olympics, frequently referenced his family when talking about how special a night it was for him.

“I couldn’t believe it at first, but once I got on, I just couldn’t stop thinking about family and how proud they would be. I’m just happy to represent them.”

Finding his family on the sidelines shortly after the final whistle, he said they shared an emotional moment.

“They couldn’t stop crying, and I was just trying to keep strong and not cry outside. I’ll cry back in the changing room,” he laughed.

While the ball came his way for just two carries, the winger made 13 metres with the ball and beat a tackle with those few touches, while making all three of his tackles.

He described the French team as “strong” and “physical”, attributes the All Blacks were expecting from the visitors.

“It was a huge step-up (from Super Rugby). The boys helped me out, and I found my footing,” he reflected, before narrowing in on the dying moments as his side clung to a two-point lead.

“It was really physical. I was stuck in the middle, so I just had to put my head down and get to work. We did a great job to seal the deal.”

Fineanganofo’s captain, Ardie Savea, expressed his pride in all three All Blacks debutants postgame: Fineanganofo, Xavier Numia and Jamie Hannah.

“I thought the guys that played their first Test were outstanding,” Savea said. “They came on and did their job, had a few good carries. I’m just really pleased for them and their families.”