Even while standing tall as the form first-five in New Zealand this year, Damian McKenzie is taking nothing for granted when it comes to his place in Ian Foster's All Blacks reckoning.
McKenzie, 28, has been an instrumental figure in the Chiefs' incredible start to 2023, with nine wins from nine matches to comfortably top the table, as the finals creep ever closer.
Regular gametime in the No.10 jersey has paid off for McKenzie and the Chiefs, after years spent switching back and forth from fullback.
But in a World Cup year, the versatile McKenzie has done his chances of an All Blacks spot no harm.
Should he vye for a spot at first-five, McKenzie will compete with Beauden Barrett and Richie Mo'unga to be the first-choice - a situation coach Foster has welcomed.
Conversely, Jordie Barrett's move into midfield has also opened the door at fullback, with McKenzie a potential contender given a lack of recognised options elsewhere..
Fresh from re-committing to New Zealand Rugby for another two years, McKenzie says whatever spot he's targeting in the All Blacks plans will only come through work.
And after having to watch the All Blacks' struggles in 2022 from the sidelines - ineligible due to a Japanese sabbatical - McKenzie is firmly focussed on winning Super Rugby with the Chiefs.
While there were no conversations with Scott Robertson over his new contract specifically, McKenzie to see what the All Blacks' class of 2024 will look like under the incoming coach.
"I obviously didn't play any All Blacks stuff last year," he told Newshub. "First of all, I've got to earn my way back into that spot.
"I haven't really tried to focus on the All Blacks stuff. I caught up with Razor after the game on Saturday, and congratulated him on his new role - and Scotty Hansen who was there as well.
"Hopefully I get to work alongside them in the coming years. But like I said, I've got to focus on this year first, and hopefully earn my way back into that spot.
McKenzie's re-signing with NZ Rugby comes at the ideal time. Both Barrett and Mo'unga will be ineligible in 2024 due to respective deals in Japan, with the All Blacks' selection policy overlooking players based outside of New Zealand.
McKenzie has made it clear the duo's unavailability was a factor in his decision to stay put and turn down other offers from abroad, having recently returned from a season in Japan with season with Suntory Sungoliath.
But the project at the Chiefs - and the recommitment of coach Clayton McMillan - was another reason for McKenzie to put pen to paper.
"There were options to go back to Japan. I had a great time over there, I loved it. It was a cool culture, [and] a cool experience.
"[But] there was unfinished business with the Chiefs, and for New Zealand rugby later down the track.
"Since coming back from Japan, I feel rejuvenated and refreshed. Coming back and watching from afar, and then being back in the Chiefs environment, you realise how much you actually miss it.
"I'm loving the season so far, and we've got a great playing group sticking around for the next few years too. It's going to be an exciting few years.
"But we've got a goal this year, trying to win a Super Rugby title - hopefully we can do that."
Having signed a two-year deal, McKenzie has left the door open to go overseas before the 2027 World Cup in Australia.
By no means, though, does that mean McKenzie is leaning towards the exit door.
"I'll be 30 by then. I'll do the two years and then reassess after that and see where I sit and see how things are going.
"[The way] for me to control anything is just by trying to play good rugby. It's two years at the moment, but it could be longer."
