New Zealand coach Scott Robertson described Fabian Holland as “film stuff” while the Netherish lock is preparing to make her black debut against France on Saturday.
The 22 -year -old is one of the four non -ceiling players in the starting XV to face the Blues during the first test in Dunedin.
Holland watched the All Blacks Sevens team training in their hometown of Castricum in the Netherlands in 2014 at the age of 11 and moved to New Zealand five years later to continue his dream of playing professional rugby.
“It is quite excited. From Zealand to New Zealand,” said Robertson on Thursday.
“He has gone a long way. It is a great story. Quite resolved by a child to make this call to come and represent another country in a game he loves – and he saw the All Blacks as the ultimate.
“These are film stuff, right?”
Holland met All Blacks Sevens Captain DJ Forbes and Akira Ioane when they trained at the Castricum Rugby Club, where he had played since the age of five.
“As soon as I was on the ground, I was a different little boy, to be honest,” said Holland in an interview in 2021,, external.
“I have developed more and more passion for rugby and there are not many countries like New Zealand with regard to the passion for rugby.
“I always dreamed of coming but it never seemed real for me. When I was 16, I had the opportunity to come to New Zealand and I saw the dream every day. I still have to pinch myself that it’s real.”
Holland first arrived in New Zealand for a six-month spell at the Lycée des boys de Christchurch, but his ascent was rapid.
He started a development contract with the Highlanders in 2021 and signed a professional agreement with the Super Rugby team the following year.
On Saturday, he will line up alongside his former Otago teammate and the Highlanders, Christian Lio-Willie, who should also make his debut to all blacks.
Robertson said it was appropriate for Holland’s first ceiling to the Forsyth Barr stadium, which houses the Highlanders.
“I am sure that Fabian de Fabian supporters and Christian Otago fans will be in force,” said Robertson.
