All Blacks lock Sam Whitelock is raring to go for the series-decider against Ireland on Saturday after missing the second test with a head injury.
The 133-capped veteran is a welcomed return to coach Ian Foster's starting lineup, after a brave move saw him sit out the historic loss in Dunedin last weekend.
Whitelock played the entire 80 minutes of New Zealand's triumph over Ireland in the first test at Eden Park, and seemed to have escaped the fixture unscathed.
But after admitting to coaches at the conclusion of the game he was suffering from symptoms, he was diagnosed with delayed onset concussion.
"I think after the game, and if you talk to anyone that knows me pretty well, I knew I wasn't quite right," Whitelock said.
"I had concussion or head knock symptoms but same as always I wasn't put under any pressure to be ready for the next week. I followed the protocols and here I am, ready to go.
"It was pretty obvious and clear after the game, as you cool down normally, you get worse."
Whitelock's decision to speak up could've seen him also miss the third test, as World Rugby crack down on head injuries with forced stand-down periods.
However, he's ready to put a tough week of protocols behind him and play a part in the All Blacks' potentially series-winning performance in Wellington.
"I found that pretty challenging because I want to be out there playing but that was the role I had to do," Whitelock said.
"I had to look after myself first and I had a lot of things throughout the week to be available to play this one.
"Every test match you're not involved in is tough to watch. You'd like to be out there and have influence.
"Every test match is massive, I've yet to play in an easy test regardless of who you're playing or where it is in the season.
"These are the ones for myself as a player, and Scott [Barrett] is the same, you want to be involved in them because the pressure is there and you get to find out how you are individually under pressure but also as a team."
Whitelock's inclusion in the run-on side sees Barrett shift back to No.6, with loose forwards Dalton Papalii and Akira Ioane providing cover from the bench.
Barrett believes last week's loss won't change how the All Blacks go about their business, but it did cause for a lot of reflection before the must-win clash on Saturday.
"We've all been challenged individually and you naturally look at yourself before anything else. We've had a good review, couple of days and we're excited for what's ahead," he said.
"You can't be gun shy, a lot of it is technique…part of rugby is you have to adapt on the run and use a bit of rugby IQ out there if we do get into those situations."
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