After being made to wait two weeks for a chance to don the black jersey, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck is being tipped to take to the All Blacks like a duck to water.
Tuivasa-Sheck, 29, has been named as the only new face in Ian Foster's matchday squad for Saturday's series finale, in contention to become All Black No.1204.
The selection is just another step in Tuivasa-Sheck's return to the 15-man code, after standing out for the Blues in Super Rugby Pacific following his switch from rugby league at the start of the year.
But thrown in the deep end with a debut in the All Blacks' biggest game since the 2019 Rugby World Cup, Tuivasa-Sheck's selection is one that's deserved, coach Ian Foster says, after impressing since his call-up last month.
And coupled with the fact that Tuivasa-Sheck has made no secret of the fact his switch back to rugby union has centred around realising his dream of becoming an All Black - Saturday looms as one of the most anticipated test debuts in living memory.
"He just trains so well," he said. "It's actually a reward for his effort off the park.
"He's settled in well, he's a learner, when we've put him in there, he's fitted really, really well.
"It's a big occasion for him - like it always is for a first-tester - but [I'm] really confident he's done his prep.
"We've made him wait a little bit, but [I'm] quite excited about it."
But even though this would be a first taste of test rugby, Tuivasa-Sheck is no stranger to big occasions.
In rugby league, Tuivasa-Sheck made close to 200 appearances in the NRL, winning the premiership with Sydney Roosters in 2013 before switching to his hometown club with NZ Warriors.
What's more, Tuivasa-Sheck already boasts 20 caps worth of experience at test level for NZ Kiwis, a feat few All Blacks debutants of the past will be able to call on.
That experience of pressure situations has given Foster and his coaching staff all the belief they need that Tuivasa-Sheck will be ready to don the silver fern on his chest again, this time as an All Black.
"He's an experienced player, he knows about the big stages. He knows you just don't go in there and try and overplay your hand.
"We just want him to do the job that this team needs him to do."
The coaches aren't the only group backing Tuivasa-Sheck either. His soon-to-be teammates are also relishing the chance to see him take the field with the No.23 on his back.
As of Thursday, midfielder David Havili is keeping Tuivasa-Sheck out of the No.12 jersey for Saturday, but himself admits he's eager to see what the Warriors' former captain will add to the side.
"It's been awesome," Havili said. "It's been great to rub shoulders with him.
"He's going to bring a lot of energy and x-factor when he gets to take the field on.
"I think, speaking to him over the last couple of days, he's just super excited.
"[It's] a pretty special moment for him and his family. I know how much he wants to get out there and just get stuck in really.
"It's been awesome, he's brought a different skill set to the midfield. It's been cool to understand how he sees our game.
"He's fit in perfectly. I'm looking forward to seeing what he can do when he gets on the field."
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