The brilliant Richard Kahui's first taste of international rugby

As Richard Kahui galloped over the try-line in the 12^th minute of his international debut, the dream start which had lurked in the back of his mind would be etched in memory forever.

The hard-running, versatile, robust and wonderfully skilled outside back was handed his first All Black cap on 21 June 2008 against England in Christchurch.

In all, Kahui went on to earn a total of 18 caps for New Zealand between 2008 and 2011 in a career which showed so much promise but was, regrettably, plagued by injury.

Kahui enjoyed a fantastic debut, receiving plenty of ball to run with from Dan Carter and Ma’a Nonu, putting in some thumping tackles, stealing an intercept, and even sending a ball sailing out of the All Black 22m area with a great clearing kick from the base of a ruck.

Even though it was his first taste of international rugby, Kahui played with the confidence and prowess of a seasoned warrior. It remains a bitter fact that he was not able to spend more time in the black jersey.