An All Blacks midfield partnership of Jordie Barrett and Rieko Ioane wasn't one many had envisioned at the start of the season, but the unlikely duo are ready and willing to embrace the challenge ahead of them this weekend.
The pair will start against the Wallabies in the second Bledisloe Cup test at Eden Park, with the Rugby Championship on the line.
While Ioane has been a mainstay at No.13, Barrett's ascent to second-five comes after injuries ruled out regulars David Havili and Quinn Tupaea.
Barrett is no stranger to the midfield, or any backline position for that matter, but it's fullback where he's seen the most action this year in the black jersey.
But after Tupaea was forced from the field last week, Barrett took his place at second-five, and starred, scoring the game-winning try to retain the Bledisloe Cup for another year.
Ioane can relate to Barrett's journey to the All Blacks midfield, having started his career as a winger, before solidifying himself as a centre and is excited by what he's seen in training.
"It has been pretty good - two misfits lining up in the midfield," he said. "It's been a long time for both of us to arrive in this midfield, and the training week has gone pretty good. He's a good talker, so it makes my job a whole lot easier.
"We weren't initially in this team as midfield cover, to be lining up on Saturday, it's going to be awesome.
"I'm talking more about five years ago, not so much now. We're probably not the prototype.
"Jordie is a strong carrier, and he's got a good pass, kick skillset, which is good, as it provides another threat to our backline.
"I think just his skills from the back, coming from fullback, you need that vision. With David and Quinn going down, he slots in perfectly to suit our backline."
Perhaps a victim of his own versatility, Barrett is looking forward to finally donning the No.12 jersey again, and the defensive challenge it brings.
"It is exciting, another free challenge, but it's a challenge I've been waiting for a wee while now, I can't wait," he said.
"I'm comfortable with playing 12, it just presents another challenge at this level. I got a taste last week, but it's another test, Eden Park against an Aussie side that's hurting, so I'm expecting a bit of traffic."
With Barrett and Ioane occupying the midfield, Blues star Roger Tuivasa-Sheck will provide cover from the bench.
Many thought he was a chance to start at Eden Park, but he will have to wait to make just his second test appearance.
Tuivasa-Sheck is expected to get a huge cheer when he finally takes the field in front of his own fans at Auckland, and Ioane is equally excited to see his Blues teammate take centre stage.
"Roger has been awesome," Ioane noted. "He hasn't played so many games for the ABs this year, but in and around training, he's learning as much as he can.
"He just wants to play and learn. The midfield is a tricky area…him getting games under his belt for Auckland and learning off the 12s we've got in here is only going to accelerate that progression, but I'm excited to see him go out there on Saturday."
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