The blockbusting outside back has provided plenty of highlights at Eden Park in recent times with the Blues, and he was a key man in the side that captured the Super Rugby Pacific crown this season.
Now, in his third season with the All Blacks and preparing for his 10th test, he gets to wear the black jersey at the Garden of Eden for the first time in the test against England on Saturday night.
"It will be massive," Tele’a said yesterday.
"I’m a Blues boy. All the fans — you just want to do the best you can.
"We’re facing an English side that’s real hungry to put us to the sword."
The All Blacks did not fire on all cylinders in the opening test in Dunedin. But the result — a 16-15 win — and the performance needed to be left behind quickly, Tele’a said.
Speaking of quick, the challenge of facing England’s rush defence will again be on the All Blacks’ minds as they seek to avoid a first loss to the tourists in New Zealand in 21 years.
"They are a real line-speed team, and I guess it’s about how we get the ball to the space.
"It’s hard because you feel like you see so much space, but then that space just goes so fast. That’s the kind of defence we’re facing.
"We’re working on it. We’ll see what happens this weekend."
Tele’a, like most wingers, thrives on seeing the ball, but there was not a great deal of possession to be had at Forsyth Barr Stadium as the English stifled the midfield.
That was a reality of modern rugby, and even the wingers could influence the game in other ways, he said.
Auckland-born, Massey-educated Tele’a might be as "09" as they come, but he has enjoyed getting to know how new coach Scott Robertson, who bleeds Crusaders red, will operate with the All Blacks.
"Razor’s Razor, man. He’s got a lot of energy, and he brings a lot of character into our team."
Tele’a has also relished working with another Crusader, fellow winger Sevu Reece, who returned from an international layoff to shine in the Dunedin test.
• New Zealand Rugby yesterday confirmed a shot clock would be shown on the big screen at Eden Park and on the television broadcast.
The issue was highlighted in the Dunedin test when All Blacks first five Damian McKenzie was whistled for taking too long over a kick, and later said he did not realise how much time he had left.
The shot clock would be in place for all home tests this season, NZR said.
