Hurricanes halfback Cam Roigard has been one of the hottest names in Super Rugby Pacific this season, and rightly so.
The 22-year-old has seized the opportunity presented by the absence of All Blacks cohort TJ Perenara with a vice-like grip, becoming one of the driving forces behind the capital-based side's ascent to the top of the Super Rugby standings.
His scorching performances behind an impressive Canes pack have thrust his name into contention as a potential bolter for the All Blacks' World Cup squad.
It's a prospect which probably seemed absurd when he was called into the Hurricanes squad as an injury replacement in 2021, just a year after he decided to give up a promising stock car driving career to ensure rugby had his full attention.
Roigard admitted he's heard his name swirling in test circles, an "interesting" noise he's trying to tune out while he concentrates on simply churning out quality performances, game after game.
"The goal eventually is to become an All Black, but I know it's not going to happen after one or two good games," Roigard admitted.
"I think it just comes back to trying to play consistently week in week out, so that's the main focus.
"It's always been a dream to be an All Black and hopefully one day it does come about."
Last year, the Cambridge product was selected for the All Blacks XV's European jaunt and left a lasting impression with his combative and clinical brand of play.
He's carried that momentum into Super Rugby this season, where he's thrived since being afforded such a relative wealth of minutes as a starter.
Roigard credits the competition within the Hurricanes environment as one of the primary factors behind his improvement, with his main rival Perenara at that forefront.
The All Blacks veteran is still working his way back to full fitness after rupturing his achilles against England in November, and could have his work cut out for him reclaiming the No. 9 jersey from the young upstart.
The situation has fostered a highly competitive dynamic between the two, one which he insists has been mutually beneficial.
"It's definitely brought that competitiveness between us," Roguard said with a grin. "I think we're always challenging ourselves, even now when he's coming back from his Achilles [injury].
"Whether he's squatting or bench pressing or something like that - always trying to beat each other, which is great.
"Then we have lots of conversations about how we're getting better, talking about the game. He's definitely open to sharing his experience which is great. Having passing sessions with him in our own time."
Coach Jason Holland first spotted Roigard at an under-20s tournament and was immediately impressed by his physicality and well-rounded skill set.
The decision to bring him south and grant him a spot in the squad as replacement for the injured Jamie Booth has paid dividends, although Hollands notes Roigard's relentless commitment to improvement deserves all of the credit for his rising stocks.
"In fairness to him he's worked really hard at his game and he's a special part of our group at the moment," said Holland.
This weekend presents a golden opportunity for Roigard to prove his wares against All Blacks halfback and Chiefs captain Brad Weber, a chance to further impress his claims on Ian Foster and his fellow selectors in an intriguing top of the table clash in Wellington.
It comes a week after he got the better of another All Blacks half in Folau Fakatava, pickpocketing his opposite number for a runaway intercept try in a straightforward win over the Highlanders.
Arguably the two form halfbacks in the country right now, whoever emerges with their hand raised in the capital may take a significant stride to securing a black jersey.
Aaron Smith undoubtedly remains the All Blacks' first choice, but the second and third halfback spots in the World Cup squad seem anyone's for the taking.
"Being able to play in these big games is huge for developing and gaining experience," said Roigard.
"These are the games you want to play in as a young fulla and going against someone like Brad who's the All Blacks No. 9 will be pretty huge."
Since their loss to the Blues in early March, the Hurricanes have won four straight games to rocket to the top of the standings.
The undefeated Chiefs have been a juggernaut this season and - with a week of rest under their belt - will provide the ultimate litmus test for a team Roigard doesn't doubt has the quality to bring a second Super Rugby crown to Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
"We've been working hard, developing and growing each week, and I think it's been showing on the field," he noted. "But we've got a long way to go.
"Now we're coming up to a few big games and it'll be awesome to see how we go against them
"We're definitely title contenders - for sure."
Join us at 2:30pm, Saturday for live updates of Hurricanes v Chiefs
