Former rugby league star Tuivasa-Sheck poised for All Blacks debut

WELLINGTON: Cross-code jumper Roger Tuivasa-Sheck says his promotion to New Zealand's starting team "is a dream" as he prepares to make an unexpected All Blacks debut in the cauldron of a series-deciding Test against Ireland.

The former New Zealand rugby league captain is among the replacements for Saturday's (Jul 16) third Test in Wellington -- an unforeseen selection given that it has been less than a year since his headline-grabbing exit from the 13-man code.

Coach Ian Foster has reacted to the high stakes Test by naming the most experienced New Zealand starting team since their 2015 World Cup final triumph, boasting 880 combined caps.

Yet Foster has found room in his squad for 29-year-old rookie Tuivasa-Sheck, a player regarded as a potential candidate to shine at next year's global tournament.

The fast feet and acceleration of Tuivasa-Sheck lit up Australia's National Rugby League for a decade before he made the call to pursue his rugby union goal and play for the All Blacks.

However, even he appeared surprised by this week's promotion.

"You've got to cherish these opportunities - that's how I see it," he said.

"This is a dream. As a competitor or an athlete you want to play on these big stages and if you want to tell yourself 'I want to be the best in the world', these are the stages where you get to prove that."

The former schoolboy rugby star impressed Foster during his debut Super Rugby Pacific season with the Auckland Blues and he's risen further in the coach's estimation on the back of three weeks of training.

"It's actually a reward for his effort off the park. Roger has settled in well, he's a learner," Foster said.

"It's a big occasion for him but ... he's an experienced player, he knows about the big stages and he