All Blacks star Aaron Smith is preparing for his 98th test match, but this one has extra meaning - his first as captain.
"It's going to be a special moment, running out first, standing at the front of the 'niho'," he says, referring to the pre-game haka formation.
Coach Ian Foster has no hesitation giving his halfback the reins.
"He's very proud and he's earned it."
At 32, Smith admits he never saw it coming - his main focus in recent times has just been battling for his position in the squad.
"I think, when I hit 30, I really wanted to make the most of what years I had left."
Says first-five Beauden Barrett: "He’s had a lot of young guys that have always been pushing him and the one thing that stands out is his internal drive."
And that internal drive could see him go as far as the 2023 World Cup.
"I feel better now than I did in my late 20s," he insists.
But his first challenge will be guiding his All Blacks side against a Fijian team determined to prove they’re worth more than a 10-year wait for a test against the All Blacks.
"You'll see some true Fijian grit, some flair and real determination tomorrow," says coach Vern Cotter.
The roof at Dunedin will surely play into that, in front of a crowd celebrating their hometown hero.
"I just want to play really well and do it justice," says Smith.
A performance consistent with the ones that have seen him don the black jersey for the past nine years will ensure that.
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the first All Blacks v Fiji test
