The bizarre nature of Stephen Perofeta's All Blacks debut takes nothing away from his achievement in reaching test rugby, insists teammate Rieko Ioane.
On Saturday, Perofeta, 25, became All Black No.1206, taking to the field in the final minute of New Zealand's 25-18 defeat to Argentina at Christchurch's OrangeTheory Stadium.
But Perofeta's debut has been met with more questions than answers, with the young playmaker given just 50 seconds to show his wares, as his team crashed to their first defeat to Pumas on home soil.
With Beauden Barrett on the mend from a neck injury and Damian McKenzie eligible for the All Blacks again after returning from Japan, Perofeta may not get another chance to prove himself, unless other teammates remain unavailable.
But for Ioane, who shares the Super Rugby dressing room with Perofeta at the Blues, the test debut was a deserved reward for years of toil at lower levels.
While detractors suggest Perofeta's debut was merely a means of stopping him playing for Samoa - he must now serve a three-year stand down period to become eligible again - Ioane is adamant Perofeta has a huge future as an All Black.
Despite his Samoan links, Perofeta has lived his whole life in New Zealand and represented the U20 Baby Blacks at youth level.
"I was hugely proud of him, just seeing his growth," Ioane said. "Ever since he's come into Super Rugby, I've seen that All Blacks material.
"He's a gifted footy player with ball in hand. Him finally getting his opportunity - although it wasn't the dream debut I'm sure he was after - a talent like his, he's going to have a lot more in this jersey.
"I was hugely stoked for him and I know his family will be super, super proud."
Ioane also hits back at the length of Ioane's All Blacks career - so far - asserting that any time on the field is an achievement cynics won't enjoy themselves.
"It was 50 seconds more than a lot of people," he added. "We can't take that away from him.
"He's an All Black and he's earned the right to call himself that.
"Whether it's 50 seconds… 50 tests, whatever it is, once you're an All Black, you're an All Black for life.
"Every one of us in here - maybe not so much the girls - everyone wanted to be an All Black. For him to realise a childhood dream, as a player who's been in here a little bit longer, I'm so stoked for him.
"I'm sure if it's 50 seconds again this week, he'll be just as happy. I'm proud of him."
Perofeta will hope to add to his one test cap, as the All Blacks prepare to face Argentina again, squaring off in Hamilton on Saturday.
Join us at 7pm Saturday for live updates of the All Blacks v Argentina Rugby Championship clash
