The ability to be adaptable has served Damian McKenzie well during his brief All Blacks career.
When New Zealand face Australia Japan in the third and final Bledisloe Cup test at Yokohama on Saturday, the utility back - most often used as a back-up first-five, will line up at fullback
McKenzie has missed the last two All Black tests after heading home from Argentina for family bereavement, so something he is understandably looking forward to the challenge.
"I'm really excited, I haven't played 15 for a while now," he says. "Having the rest has really energised me mentally and physically.
"In this team, you have to be ready to be called upon at any time."
The All Blacks have gone with two playmakers in McKenzie and Beauden Barrett in the starting 15, with first-five specialist Richie Mo'unga named on the bench.
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"That's the good thing about this team, we all prepare as if we are playing," McKenzie says. "We try to make the most of it and now I've got my opportunity, I need to grab it with both hands."
Starting second-five Sonny Bill-Williams said McKenzie is a special talent.
"He's one of those players that does things you can't coach," Williams said. "It's up to us to create space to let him do his thing."
The All Blacks will face the Wallabies in an afternoon game, kicking off at 7:30 pm (NZT), something else the starting fullback is excited about.
"It’s a good opportunity to throw the ball around," he said. "I love playing in the afternoon.
"It's a chance to play some attacking footy."
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Join us at 7:30pm Saturday night for live updates of the All Blacks vs Wallabies Bledisloe Cup test.
