As Waisake Naholo prepares to join the prestigious ranks of the All Blacks tonight, his family and the villagers of Nadroumai in Nadroga are eagerly waiting to watch it live on television.

His father Aporosa Naholo expressed his pride, joy and excitement yesterday.

“Not just the family, but the whole village and indeed I believe the whole country is behind him and looking forward to watching him,” Aporosa said.

He revealed that Waisake’s selection into the Highlander Super Rugby squad hadn’t come as a surprise to the family because of their prayers and anticipation.

“We expected it because we knew of all the preparations he’d been going through and all the progress he had made coming through the various levels of rugby. After the Super 15, we were hoping and expecting that he would make the All Blacks squad and play this week.

“The whole village is proud of his achievement. From the start of the Super Rugby 2015 season, for every game, our house always filled up with supporters coming to watch and support him.”

Naholo went on to reveal his son had last come home for Christmas in 2013 and that he and wife Vasiti Naholo hoped to visit him as soon as time permitted, divulging a special pre-game tradition they shared.

“We always keep in contact by telephone and usually speak with him once or twice a week. Usually, on game day, just a few hours before the game he calls home. So we always encourage him to play to the best of his ability. So we’ll certainly be expecting his call before tonight’s game”

New Zealand takes on Argentina in the opening match of the 2015 Rugby Championships tonight at 7.30pm in Christchurch.

Feedback: eroni.tuinaceva@fijisun.com.fj