New Zealand wing Caleb Clarke says he is excited to face Ireland for the first time as he revealed his family roots in Northern Ireland before Friday’s Test match in Dublin.
Clarke, 25, has starred for the All Blacks this year, scoring six tries in their Rugby Championship campaign, and is expected to play on the left wing at Aviva Stadium after starting last weekend’s win over England.
Speaking after New Zealand’s training session in Dublin on Monday, Clarke said his father, ex-All Blacks wing Eroni Clarke, and grandfather mentioned his Irish roots before he left for the team’s northern tour.
“That’s where the Clarkes came from before coming to Samoa,” said Clarke.
“They came in the early ’20s or ’40s to Samoa and started potato farming and from there the Clarkes sort of grew.”
Asked to expand, he added: “Northern Ireland, up north, before they came to Samoa as potato farmers, that’s what I heard.
“It’s probably why I like Guinness. I’m not a drinker but when I tried it I was like ‘wow, that is so nice!'”
Clarke is expected to be a key outlet for the All Blacks on Friday but knows he will have his hands full against Ireland’s wings, too.
“I know how much of a strength they are,” he said. “So far it’s been James Lowe and Mack Hansen and they’ve been two strong wingers.
“I remember I used to watch Lowey back in the day when he was playing for the Chiefs.
“I call him by his nickname but I don’t know him that well but still, he’s pretty cool and it’s really exciting.”