at first

At first, the National Guard veteran looked headed for confirmation, as GOP senators fell into line.

The world famous All Black came on at full-back, but took the ball at first receiver before freeing the fly-half to glide through on the wrap around.

“At first it kind of weirded me out. People would look, then look away and stare out of the corner of their eye. Now I’m used to it.”

At first, there were hopes that he could be different – more open, less brutal.

All the great modern Christmas action classics give us heroes pretending to be something they’re not at first before passing through a crucible that brings them closer to their truer selves.