All Blacks winger Sevu Reece is relishing the chance to start a Test match on home soil, named to wear the number 14 jersey tomorrow night in the Bledisloe Cup decider against the Wallabies at Eden Park.
With Ben Smith axed following last week's 47-26 loss in Perth in the first Bledisloe Cup match, Reece will have a chance to stake his claim for the All Blacks' right wing berth, looking to prove he belongs at Test level.
Speaking to 1 NEWS at the All Blacks' fan event in Auckland this morning, Reece says that the build up to his first home Test has been one to remember.
"[It's] really exciting, another great opportunity for me to go out there and do my thing," he said.
"Hopefully it'll be a good night tomorrow.
"I can't even find the words to put together, it's a little bit unbelievable. It's definitely a big game, the [Bledisloe] decider, getting named to play is really, really big for me. I've just got to get out there and express myself."
Reece won't be alone out on the park tomorrow night, with Crusaders teammate George Bridge also getting his first home Test match, starting on the left in place of Rieko Ioane, while Richie Mo'unga will steer the ship at first-five.
Reece is thankful to have his club teammates sharing the special moment with him.
"It's actually really exciting, playing with Bridgey - I've played with him this whole year - and with Richie driving the boys around the middle.
"I just can't wait for tomorrow night."
Tomorrow night will cap an incredible year for Reece, having been in doubt for Super Rugby after being axed by the Chiefs, going on to win the competition with the Crusaders, finishing as the top try scorer.
That hot form irresistible for coach Steve Hansen, rewarding Reece with Test selection.
"It was already a dream come true, even making it to Super Rugby.
"Having to come this far is just unbelievable, and [I'm] just real grateful."
Reece and the All Blacks will face the Wallabies tomorrow night at Auckland's Eden Park.
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