At 34, Blues utility Bryce Heem may be a tad old to be considered an All Blacks bolter - but that hasn't stopped him from making his case to selectors.
As part of a Blues squad that has the potential to name a backline consisting entirely of internationals, Heem has quietly proven himself one of the more valuable players in Leon MacDonald's plans.
Capable of covering both midfield and wings, Heem has to contend with the likes of Rieko Ioane, Roger Tuivasa-Sheck, Mark Telea and Caleb Clarke for minutes on the field, but as form and All Blacks rest orders play their part, he has made 10 appearances.
In fact, only forwards Cameron Suafoa and Ricky Riccitelli have made more appearances for the Blues so far this season.
While the chances of test honours may have come and gone, Heem was picked for the All Blacks XV in 2022.
Designed as a second team for Ian Foster's All Blacks, Heem was afforded gametime on the end-of-year tour and scored a try in the 35-31 defeat to the Barbarians.
While many on that All Blacks XV tour used it as a chance to catch the eye of All Blacks selectors, Heem is realistic about his chances, but that hasn't stopped him pitching for a call-up from coach Ian Foster and co.
"I don't know if they take geriatric debutants, but hey, if anyone's listening and they need an old fella in there, I'll happily step up," he joked.
"It was really exciting. I felt a bit old at the same time, but it was awesome to be on tour, awesome to be with a new bunch of lads and expanding my knowledge of the game with different people, different coaches.
"It's always a great blessing."
A test debut would make Heem the oldest new All Black in the professional era, four years older than former Crusaders prop Dave Hewett, who was 30 when he won his first cap.
As is the case with any player with utility value, Heem is at times almost held back by his versatility.
Of his 10 Super Rugby Pacific appearances this year, only three are starts, with the remaining coming off the bench, but fully aware of his role and value to the Blues, Heem is happy to do the job required of him.
"I'm enjoying my time in midfield, I'm happy to be out on the park and just fit in where the team needs me to. At the same time, it can be a bit of a burden as well.
"It's hard to lock down one position, being versatile, but I'm happy to be on the field, wherever it is."
With two regular season games remaining, the Blues are currently fourth on the Super Rugby ladder, but a top-four finish is far from secured.
This week, they host the Hurricanes - the team directly below them on the competition ladder - with the result possibly deciding which team secure the last home quarter-final.
After a Super Rugby finals campaign with home advantage in 2022, Heem knows exactly what it will mean to play knockout rugby in front of their own fans.
"It'll be huge," he said. "A packed Eden Park is a good crowd to play in front of... having that extra voice like our 16th man on the field.
"It'll be massive for us to get a home quarter."
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