All Blacks second-five David Havili feels back to himself and determined to grab his chance, as he looks to cement his spot in a congested NZ midfield.
Havili was sidelined with COVID-19 for the series-opener against Ireland, but could get a call-up to coach Ian Foster's matchday squad for the second test at Dunedin on Saturday.
He was a Crusaders standout in Super Rugby Pacific this season and feels he's grown up considerably in the last 18 months, with a full season of international rugby now under his belt.
Havili, 27, is finally free from isolation and wasting no time getting straight back into work, after he was forced to watch the All Blacks victory from his couch.
"There’s a bit of frustration there, but to be fair, I’ve dodged it all year, so picking it up last week wasn’t too bad," he told Newshub. "It gave me a chance to rest a few niggles, so I’m pretty fresh and ready to go.
"When I was there in 2017, I was quite young and wasn’t exposed to the international stage, so coming back in, I had that experience, being able to be a professional.
"I wouldn’t say comfortable, you’re always trying to get better and that’s what I’m trying to do."
Havili is locked in a four-way battle to wear the No.12 jersey this season and made 12 appearances for the All Blacks in his return last year.
Rieko Ioane will likely retain his spot at centre, which leaves Havili, Quinn Tupaea, Jack Goodhue and Braydon Ennor all contesting the second-five spot.
Regardless of whether Havili gets a chance in the second test, he knows there's still a long season to go.
"I love it, it makes me better... it makes our group better as well. Being in this environment, you’ve got such great players and great mates around you that you’re going to get better."
Watch the video above for the full story and join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the second All Blacks v Ireland test
