In his first two years of Super rugby, Elliot Dixon made two appearances off the bench.
Any hope of Dixon wearing an All Black jersey looked as big a dream as East Coast winning the Ranfurly Shield.
But it has happened - no, not the Coast winning the log o' wood - Dixon becoming an All Black.
The 26-year-old, who has been named to make his debut at blindside flanker for the All Blacks against Wales tomorrow night, said making the national side had become a serious goal only this year.
"It was a goal I set out for myself - to play for the All Blacks and to start for the All Blacks is even better. To start and play on Saturday in front of my family is a pretty special occasion,'' he said.
"Last year, I did not really think about it [being an All Black] too much. I was just concentrating on playing for the Highlanders and playing well. This year, it was a big goal for me. Just to play rugby consistently, week in, week out and see where it got me."
Dixon said he received a text from Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph about his selection and that Joseph had been a big part of his rugby career.
"He told me to enjoy it as it will be over pretty quickly. He's been good for me. He's been my only Super rugby coach... it was a pretty tricky first couple of years but I think me and him have grown up together. It has been awesome to have him as a mentor and a coach.''
Dixon said consistency had been the big driver behind his elevation from part-time bench player to All Black.
Game time and knowing his role had been other catalysts behind his promotion.
Being an All Black had already shown through in training, Dixon said.
"It is up or past a Super rugby game for training intensity. It is good for us, for the guys who have not been playing. If you train like that then you know you are going to be playing to this level. So you can get used to it and be comfortable.
"Everyone I have talked to says it is a step up from Super rugby. It's quick and, especially under a roof, even faster. I'm used to fast at Forsyth Barr so I think I'll need another pair of lungs come halftime. It is more about me just focusing on task to task rather than just worrying about what is going to be happening during a game.''
Dixon said he was busy running round collecting 10 to 15 tickets for extra family who were coming to the game.
