Newly appointed All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree says he's privileged to be in the role, after being named Ian Foster's righthand man.
Plumtree's left the top job at the Hurricanes to be a selector and forwards coach for the national side.
The 54-year-old was one of three staff confirmed on Thursday, along with scrum coach Greg Feek and defensive specialist Scott McLeod. A fourth coach is still to be confirmed, but expected to be Scarlets boss and former Crusaders assistant Brad Mooar.
All Blacks legend Grant Fox will also return on the three-man selection panel, with Foster and Plumtree.
Foster said his coaching team needed an assistant with plenty of head-coaching experience and Plumtree fitted that bill, with lots of time spent overseas.
He has held jobs in Wales (Swansea 1997-2001), South Africa (Sharks 2008-12) and Ireland (national team forwards coach 2013-14). Plumtree was Hurricanes assistant for four years, helping them win a maiden title in 2016, before taking the top job last season.
But he never thought he'd land an All Blacks role.
"It's a massive responsibility," Plumtree told Newshub. "My family and I are filled with excitement.
"Being involved with the All Blacks is the pinnacle of my career. When you're working hard at Super Rugby level, you think it might happen, but you're not sure.
"There have been many great coaches who won't get this opportunity, so that's why I feel very privileged.
"When I'm head coach, I know what to expect from an assistant coach. When I'm the assistant, I know what support to give the head coach and that's critical."
Foster highlighted the need for the All Blacks to have two head coaches in their set-up.
"We've been picking this team with an eye on the next two years," Foster told Newshub.
"John comes in with in-depth knowledge of the New Zealand market, particularly the younger ages, and he'll give us some fresh eyes at players we've seen one way.
"He's someone who has done a lot of work, not just on the field, but off it, and we need those eyes looking at our operation. If we want to try to get better, having somebody at his level is really important."
Plumtree admits leaving the Hurricanes isn't ideal so close to the start of the Super Rugby season, but he has faith in Jason Holland to lead Wellington-based franchise.
"Ian phoned me up to see if I was interested and of course I was, but there was lots of work to get this done, with my role at the Hurricanes. We're pleased to get this over the line.
"We've worked hard over the last two weeks to make sure things were in place for whatever scenario played out. Jason Holland is going to be a great Hurricanes coach.
"In fact, they won't miss me, which will be sad. I'll have to pop in and give them a hug."
The newlook All Blacks coaching set-up will face their first assignment against Wales on July 4 at Eden Park.
