Debutant Anton Segner embraces All Blacks camp life ahead of Ireland Test

Anton Segner is still processing his All Blacks debut but has wasted little time shifting his attention to Saturday’s Test against Ireland in Auckland, the 24-year-old loose-forward entering his third week in camp with growing confidence and a clear sense of purpose.

Segner, born in Frankfurt, Germany, was called into the All Blacks squad by Dave Rennie in June and made his debut at halftime of the Italy match in Wellington after Luke Jacobson was forced off with a tight calf. Rennie praised the Blues forward’s work rate post-match, noting it was beneficial for the debutant to get a meaningful run rather than a brief cameo.

“Yeah, I guess it is still sinking in a bit for me,” Segner told media at the All Blacks’ North Harbour Stadium training base on Tuesday. “But on Sunday, travelling back, I had a bit of a moment to sort of digest it all. After having been a part of two test weeks, I obviously know what it looks like and yeah, I guess that has upped my confidence a little bit, knowing what the process is. But the one thing that hasn’t changed is that I’m enjoying every step of the way.”

Segner described a quick turnaround from celebration to preparation, a rhythm he has clearly embraced. “I obviously had the evening after the game in Wellington to celebrate with my teammates and with my family who were there,” he said. “But then your next job focus is on straight away. You watch your own game on Sunday, do your team reviews on Monday, and now it’s Tuesday and we’re preparing for the Test on Saturday.”

With some of his German family in New Zealand to witness the milestone, Segner has been absorbing everything around him — on and off the field. His approach, by his own description, is simple: “Just try to be a sponge.”

Looking ahead to Ireland, Segner acknowledged the challenge Andy Farrell’s side will pose up front. “We’re going to have to roll up our sleeves. The Irish have got a good pack, so definitely at set piece we’re going to have to be right on, as well as around the park. They pride themselves on their carry and clean, so for us on defence it’s going to be about work ethic, putting bodies in front of theirs and making sure we get lower than them.”

Rennie’s forwards have been given clear directives heading into the weekend, and Segner — rubbing shoulders with the likes of Ardie Savea and Peter Lakai in camp — appears to be settling into the environment with the composure of someone determined to make the most of every moment.