KEY POINTS:
All Black halfback Brendon Leonard is looking to enjoy the ride as he takes yet another journey into the rugby unknown.
Leonard, 22, flew out of Auckland last night bound for the World Cup, the next stage of a swift rise that has also seen him make his Super 14 and test debuts over the past seven months.
"It's a bit like going into the unknown," he said of being part of New Zealand's campaign to win the Webb Ellis Trophy.
"I've never been to Europe either, so I don't really know what's going to happen over there.
"I don't really know what the hype's going to be like in France, but I just have to try to enjoy it as much as possible.
"It's a privilege to be in this team and, if I enjoy it, I'm sure I'll go well."
His All Black team-mates with prior World Cup experience had given him much the same message.
"Be yourself, enjoy the ride," was their advice, Leonard said.
"I'm sure the rugby will take care of itself as long as you don't get too wound up about the pressure and what not. Just enjoy it and have a good time."
The good times haven't been in short supply for the livewire Leonard in 2007.
His strong form for Waikato in last season's Air NZ Cup led to a place with the Chiefs.
His Super 14 performances in turn resulted in a test debut against France in June and three further caps since.
He has also established himself as the No 2 halfback in the All Black squad, while also keeping No 1 Byron Kelleher on his toes.
As he headed to board the flight for France, via Hong Kong and London, Leonard said it hadn't yet sunk in that he was going to the World Cup.
"I guess it won't sink in until I'm over there," he said.
"It'll be pretty exciting once we get there and see all the New Zealand supporters there. I think once the guys start playing, I'll settle in and away I go."
Leonard will have some special fans barracking for him during the tournament, with his parents and his London-based sister planning to make the trip to France.
The All Blacks' opening pool match is against Italy in Marseille on September 8.
Before transferring to the French port city on Sunday, they will spend a few days on Corsica as they get over jet lag.
Leonard will have another task on the Mediterranean island - trying to keep tabs on how Waikato fare in their Ranfurly Shield defence against Canterbury this weekend.
"Hopefully I'll find it on the internet or something," he said.
"I'll definitely be interested to see how that goes."
He was at Waikato's record 52-7 defeat of then-holders North Harbour last Saturday and came away impressed.
"I was a pretty inspired, to be honest. It was probably one of the greatest victories Waikato have ever had."
- NZPA
