All Blacks winger Caleb Clarke isn't taking his Rugby World Cup selection for granted, as he heads to England for final preparations.
Clarke, 24, was a beneficiary of injury to midfielder Braydon Ennor, which opened up the opportunity for an extra outside back, with winger Liecester Fainga'anuku designated as centre cover.
"I was reflecting on it last night with my family and it's kind of surreal," he admitted, as he boarded a plane at Auckland Airport. "All the excitement is starting to build and your whole life has been pointing to this one moment in time, so the nerves are really kicking in now."
Following in the footsteps of dad Eroni Clarke - a 24-cap All Blacks centre from 1992-98 - Caleb is well aware this chance doesn't fall to everyone, with his father unable to count a World Cup among his international appearances.
"I get to hang it over my dad that I'm going to a World Cup and he never did," he grins. "I'm pretty lucky."
Clarke recognises his Super Rugby Pacific form with the Blues was not up to scratch, but hopes to repay coach Ian Foster's faith in him.
"What I love is everyone's competing for a spot in the team. I know I wasn't at my greatest form in Super Rugby, but I'm happy to put that behind me and look forward now.
"I'm definitely excited to get amongst it and put my best foot forward. It's the world stage and there's nothing better than the Rugby World Cup.
"It's time for me to stamp my mark."
Clarke also has thoughts for former Auckland and Blues teammate, and All Black George Moala, who has been suspended out of Tonga's World Cup pool games for a dangerous tackle on Canadian Spencer Jones, while England captain Owen Farrell seemingly escapes a similar offence against Wales.
Farrell was shown a yellow card for his high hit on Welsh forward Taine Basham, which was later upgraded to red after review. An independent judicial committee has cleared him any further punishment, prompting howls of outrage around the rugby community.
World Rugby has signalled its intention to appeal the judiciary ruling.
"I feel for [Moala]," said Clarke. "I think he's got it down to five weeks now, but we've got to be real careful.
"I haven't heard Fozzy say too much about the tackle, but I wish my mate George Moala was all good.
"We've all got to be careful - it's about protecting each other out on the field. As much as we want to win, we've got to look after each other and I know the referess will do everything possible to make sure that happens."
