"Trust yourself." That's the advice from All Blacks captain Sam Whitelock to rookie Samisoni Taukei'aho, as the young hooker readies himself for a potential test debut against Fiji in Hamilton.
Called into the All Blacks' squad for the first time after an injury worry to Asafo Aumua, 23-year-old Taukei'aho has been rushed onto the bench at the last minute thanks to a calf injury to Dane Coles.
And should he enter the fray on Saturday night, Taukei'aho will become All Black number 1198 when he steps foot on the turf at Hamilton's FMG Stadium - his home ground with the Chiefs in Super Rugby.
Speaking at the All Blacks' captain's run, skipper Whitelock insists that despite the rapid nature of his elevation, Taukei'aho is ready to don the black jersey for the first time.
"[Samisoni's] been awesome the last two weeks," Whitelock says.
"[It's] pretty cool for him to do it here at his home ground. He's just shown up, and tried to learn and grow.
"It's been awesome watching all the hookers work together. Colesy [Dane Coles] and that were working together with all the hookers around their throwing and stuff on Wednesday. They've got a tight little crew there, so they'll be wishing him all the best when he gets out there.
Playing on his home ground and surrounded by six of his Chiefs teammates, Whitelock adds that Taukei'aho can at least take comfort in the familiar ahead of his potential test debut.
Fellow Chiefs Luke Jacobson, Anton Lienert-Brown and Damian McKenzie will start against Fiji, with Angus Ta'avao, Brodie Retallick and Brad Weber to come off the bench.
"It's probably nice for him, things that are familiar, changing room and things like that. There's also some guys out there that he's played a lot of rugby with. That's always nice.
"It makes that transition a little bit easier, even though at times it can be quite daunting."
As for any advice for the young hooker, Whitelock insists that Taukei'aho's already done all he needs to do to prove himself just by earning his selection in the first place.
"I think it's the same advice that I got given, go out there and trust yourself. You've been called in for a reason. It doesn't matter how you get here, he's here now.
"If he's given the opportunity, I'm sure he'll go out there and play really well. He's really good with [the] ball in hand, and loves making big tackles.
"I'm sure if he is out there, we'll see all those things."
Join Newshub for live updates of the All Blacks v Fiji second test from 7pm Saturday.
