'I'll be ready': Billy Proctor hungry for All Blacks debut

Changes are expected in the All Blacks team to face Fiji in San Diego, and judging by the personnel elected for media duties earlier in the week, rookie Billy Proctor may well be up for his All Blacks debut.

The Hurricanes centre earned his first national selection in Scott Robertson’s maiden All Blacks squad ahead of the July Tests after forming an impressive midfield partnership with Jordie Barrett in a powerful Hurricanes team.

At 25 years of age, Proctor says he’s absorbing as much knowledge as he can while biding his time on the sidelines.

Seeing the team prepare for a steep English challenge offered some key insights into the world of international rugby.

“England’s a top nation in terms of rugby so, to be a part of those first couple of games and to witness how the boys went through their prep was cool, and a good start to being in the All Blacks’ camp,” Proctor told media in America.

“That included how hard it is to beat a line-speed team, a team that can put you under a lot of pressure and a team that likes to kick the ball and put pressure on in a different way compared to the New Zealand-type of footy that we like to play.”

While the rookie’s focus has remained on preparing his teammates for Tests, the hunger for a debut has been simmering away.

“When the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready. I am excited when the opportunity does come.”

If that opportunity happens to come in San Diego, Proctor says it would be a special place to reach that milestone.

Another hopeful player doing the media rounds in the California sun was winger Caleb Clarke, a man who has made his impact off the bench more often than not in recent All Blacks seasons.

“We’re making sure each of us are putting our best foot forward as well,” Clarke said. “That’s the best part about it, we’re all so close in terms of who can wear the jersey. It’s one of those frenemies vibes, but we all love each other, so that’s good.”

Strong performances from starting wingers Mark Tele’a and Sevu Reece have laid down the challenge for Clarke and fellow reserve winger Emoni Narawa.

“That puts a lot of pressure on me to perform and put my best foot forward.

“It’s great to see him [Tele’a] do his thing and it is just as important for Billy and myself to make sure we prepare the boys. It’s putting a standard we all have to reach and we’re looking forward to this challenge.”

Rib injuries have plagued both players’ starts to the international season, but both are fit and firing for Test action should their names be called upon for Friday night.

“The first week was a crack-up because Billy did the same thing, popping a rib cartilage. He had a week more to recover but at the first camp he’d look at me running and said, ‘I know how you feel.’ But we’re back to 100 per cent and hopefully looking forward to running out there.”