Depending on how you look at it over the last fortnight, new Wallabies star Jack Maddocks has either been living a dream or a nightmare.
For any young player their dream is to play for their country and to do it in front of your friends and family – and score a try – is even better.
But when that Test debut is against the world champions All Blacks and you end up getting pumped by 40 points two Saturdays in a row – it can all be a bit of a nightmare.
Sport360 spoke to the talented 21-year-old who took us behind the scenes in the lead up to his Test debut in what was a mixture of heaven and hell all rolled into one.
Thursday August 16, Sydney: Maddocks named in 23 to take on the All Blacks
I was surprised at how quickly it all happened but in saying that I wouldn’t say I wasn’t prepared or not ready for the call-up. I felt coming in to the year there was a lot of good outside backs and I’d have to wait for my chance. So it came quicker than expected but as I said before I didn’t feel like I wasn’t ready. I was really excited by the challenge and I wanted to test myself at that level.
Can Jack Maddocks be the @qantaswallabies x-factor tonight? #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/Tlm4cTDpuw
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) August 18, 2018
Saturday August 18, ANZ Stadium, Sydney: Wallabies vs All Blacks – Bledisloe 1 – Jack’s Test debut
It was pretty surreal. It was in Sydney and it was a special place to do it as I’m a boy from the city. A lot of my friends and family were there for the game. I was on the bench and I when I came on, the good thing was we were still well in the game.
Kieran Read welcoming Jack Maddocks to Test rugby. pic.twitter.com/Mgak4qkn89
— Murray Kinsella (@Murray_Kinsella) August 21, 2018
Saturday August 18, ANZ Stadium: 53rd minute of the Test, Maddocks comes on to replace Dane Haylett-Petty
It wasn’t one of those moments when you run out and think ‘Here I am’, I had to get into it straight away. When I came on we had a lineout and it was on the right side so I was involved immediately and my mind was instantly on the job. It didn’t end up finishing the way I would have liked given the defeat, but still, it was an incredible atmosphere out there and something I’ve never experienced before.
Not a bad time to score on debut for the @QantasWallabies.
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) August 18, 2018
LISTEN LIVE: https://t.co/VKegAAfjtQ#BledisloeCup #AUSvNZL pic.twitter.com/IPNHGriAf6
Saturday August 18, ANZ Stadium: 66th minute, Maddocks marks his Test debut with a try
It was a bit of a blur to be honest. I think we turned it over (Michael Hooper took an intercept in the Wallabies 22) and I remember thinking, my immediate reaction was to get involved and get around the ball. From there, Bernard (Foley) was running down the full-back and I tried to just offer some support. Bernard dummied to Matt Toomua on the inside then shaped on the outside to me. It was probably one of the easiest tries I’ve scored but it doesn’t mean I won’t remember and cherish it.
Jack Maddocks is one @qantaswallabies player without any Eden Park scars. #NZLvAUS https://t.co/sjxYRHCRcc
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) August 22, 2018
Monday August 20, Waiheke Island, near Auckland: Wallabies training camp before Bledisloe 2 at Eden Park
We stayed on Waikheke Island for the week and it was a cool to experience a new way of building up to the game. We were quite isolated and separated from the public and the media, which helped us focus, relax and get prepared properly. We weren’t completely shielded – the players had the chance to get out and do whatever they liked – but there were less distractions.
Jack Maddocks is desperate for another crack at the @AllBlacks, wherever he is picked. #BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) August 22, 2018
MORE: https://t.co/vMlrmdUkBM pic.twitter.com/MDGxjBDBIu
Friday, August 24, Auckland: Wallabies re-locate to Auckland the day before the game
We got to Auckland on the Friday and I remember walking down the street and there were All Blacks flags flying high up on the street on the telegraph poles. Everywhere I looked were black jerseys. It was quite exciting seeing that and you obviously knew it was going to be a great atmosphere at the ground itself.
🛬 @qantaswallabies land into Eden Park.
— RUGBYcomau (@rugbycomau) August 25, 2018
LIVE: https://t.co/bQiNNPfriU#BledisloeCup #NZLvAUS pic.twitter.com/lwjkYW913u
Saturday, August 25, Eden Park, Auckland: The Wallabies run on to the field, Maddocks is in the starting XV replacing the injured Israel Folau
I’ve heard a lot about Eden Park when it’s a full venue for a Test match and it lived up to what I was hoping. It was incredibly loud and the supporters were all very passionate.
Singing the national anthem was pretty cool. I think you get more into it when you’re overseas because, in a sense, you’re up against it. I felt very patriotic though singing the national anthem on enemy soil.
I also remember facing the Haka, which was a unique experience having watched it many times before on TV. The noise from the crowd went up a few decibels at the same time, too.
How about that tackle from Jack Maddocks 👀 #NZLvAUS #BledisloeCup pic.twitter.com/K6TrTtRcLr
— TEN Sport (@tensporttv) August 25, 2018
Saturday, August 25, Eden Park: 19:35 – kick off in Bledisloe 2
The game itself was really exciting. The first-half was close and the crowd was a bit quiet, before they came to life a bit more in the second-half.
Obviously it didn’t finish the way we wanted to, but it was still a night to remember. And my mum (Bronwyn) and my best mate’s mum flew over to watch the game which was pretty cool. I got to see them after the game in the stands so that was a good consolation for me.