Don't look now, but All Blacks coach Steve Hansen is about to field a raw and inexperienced front row - at this level - against one of the most-feared forward packs in international rugby.
With the injuries and retirements that have struck the national rugby team this year, the NZ selectors have had to dip far into the propping depth chart this season - and they're about to dig even deeper against Argentina on Sunday.
Hansen's decision to spell centurion Owen Franks suddenly thrusts Blues giant Ofa Tuungafasi, with just 20 test caps earned mainly off the bench, into the unexpected role of senior prop.
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Karl Tu'inukuafe and Tim Perry made their international debuts this year, while Angus Ta'avao will likely play his first from the bench on Sunday morning (NZ time).
In fact, Ta'avao joins Tu'inukuafe in an incredible transition from uncontracted Super Rugby outcasts at the start of the season to full-blown All Blacks in just a few months.
Granted, the Pumas aren't the forward-dominated side they once were, but surely that's still massive challenge for the comparative newbies with a combined 30 tests among them.
Tonga-born Tuungafasi, 26, is probably used to being the junior member of the propping platoon, behind Wyatt Crockett, Joe Moody and Franks. His job has been simply to not drop the ball when he comes on for the final 20 minutes.
Now, he's expected to set the tone in a tricky match-up on foreign soil, after suffering a shock loss to South Africa only two weeks ago.
"He's always been a leader in the group in his own way, particularly with the Pasifika boys," says Hansen. "He's always been very strong in that area.
"This is a good opportunity for him to lead the whole group - he's excited by that, so we'll see how he goes."
Last year, frustrated by a lack of opportunities in New Zealand, Ta'avao, 28, was forced to cross the Tasman to play Super Rugby for the Waratahs. He returned to seek care for a sick child and was only called into the Chiefs after they ran out of propping options from within their squad.
"He's worked really hard for it," says Hansen. "He's been all around a few franchises, but I think it's a good example of some athletes just taking a while to get there mentally or physically.
"In this case, I think Angus has taken a while to get there physically. He's been a big man, yes, but I don't necessarily think big men are ready internally.
"I always talk about race horses, where stayers take longer than sprinters, and he's more of a stayer's build and taken a bit of time to get there.
"Now that he has, he's been able to put it together at scrum time, and use the size and strength he's got to do that job. He's good around the park and this is a good opportunity for him."
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