Morne Steyn has revealed that he always had hope of playing for South Africa - even before his strong showing in this year's Super 14.
The Bulls first five-eighths was included in the Springbok squad for the first time on Monday and is now a strong favourite to wear the number 10 jersey in the first Test against the British and Irish Lions in Durban on June 20.
The 24-year-old was one of the standout players as his Pretoria franchise was crowned Super 14 champions last Saturday when it trounced the Chiefs in record-breaking fashion 61-17.
"During the Vodacom Super 14 it was in the back of my mind that I would like to play for the Boks," said Steyn, who top-scored with 191 points overall, 50 more than second-placed Stephen Donald of the Chiefs.
"The game against the Sharks was a big turning point and the semi-final against the Crusaders was one of those matches where everything went right for me.
"The ball bounced in my favour and it was great.
"Joining the Bok camp on Monday was a great experience. All the guys were great and welcomed me and I hope it will be a good tour".
Steyn will now be up against one of his old friends from Bloemfontein, Ruan Pienaar of the Sharks, for the crucial pivot role.
The pair played together at primary school as a very promising halfback combination, before going their separate ways at high school.
He continued: "Ruan and I have come a long way since being together at junior school and we spoke about it today.
"Back then we already dreamt about one day playing together for the Springboks.
"It is a big dream come true and hopefully it can carry on for a while."
Steyn has played most of his senior rugby with the Bulls in the shadow of another promising first five-eighths, Derick Hougaard, who now plays for the Leicester Tigers, and he admits that the departure of his predecessor paved the way for his outstanding form.
He added: "It definitely made a difference to my game because I knew I was going to start every game and that the responsibility was on my shoulders.
"That made it much easier for me because I could concentrate on giving my best in each game."