Rugby New Zealand: “Unreal”: Segner celebrates historic All Blacks debut

Segner came into the game at half-time in the 47:17 in the second game of the Nations Championship against Italy and was one of the driving forces behind the significant increase in performance, thanks to which the heavily favored “All Blacks” ultimately won the 19th duel with the southern Europeans. Teammate Will Jordan placed the ball in the opponent’s in-goal three times and set a new record for the team with a total of 50 attempts.

However, Segner has not yet really realized his historic milestone. “It all happens incredibly quickly,” said the 24-year-old from Frankfurt am Main to the German Press Agency. “It won’t really sink in until later, when I’m with my family.” She was sitting in the stands and had quickly embarked on the arduous journey from Germany when it became apparent that Segner would be given his first chance in Wellington by coach Dave Rennie.

Segner gets “endless support from home”

The loose forward, who wore number 20 in the game, was thrilled by the overwhelming support from home. “I received endless support from home,” said Segner: “And I am endlessly grateful for that.”

Meanwhile, down on the lawn, Segner could clearly feel his nervousness leading up to his big moment. “Before the first All Blacks game you are of course nervous and excited,” said Segner. “But when it’s time to play, you’re just focused on the match.”

It was with this serenity, among other things, that Segner, who moved from Germany to the other side of the world at the age of 15, worked his way up to reserve captaincy for the Auckland Blues in the last Super Rugby season. And thus made it into the most legendary rugby team in the world.

Segner: “Then everything is possible”

She is also one of the favorites at the World Cup in Australia next year. He wants to give everything to ensure that Segner is there again and perhaps even becomes the first world champion born in Germany. “Making it into the squad is one thing, but staying in it is another,” said Segner. “The hardest job of the whole thing is earning your place in the squad every week and every game.”

What is already certain is that by fulfilling his dream, which began as a ten-year-old at SC Frankfurt 1880, Segner has opened the door to young rugby players from Germany and Europe. And Segner has a clear message to his young fans: “If you’re up for it, and if you really want it, then anything is possible.”