Cam Roigard's All Blacks ascension has been given the seal of approval by arguably the greatest to ever wear the No.9 jersey, with incumbent Aaron Smith relishing the newcomer's place in coach Ian Foster's squad.
Roigard, 22, is a standout selection in the 36-man squad for the All Blacks' Rugby Championship campaign.
A breakthrough Super Rugby Pacific season with the Hurricanes, playing 14 of 16 games, saw Roigard backed over Brad Weber and Folau Fakatava, alongside Smith and Finlay Christie.
While quality options were always likely to be left out of the All Blacks plans, his teammates have welcomed Roigard's inclusion.
"He fully deserves his opportunity," said Smith. "He's had an outstanding season and probably an outstanding last couple of years.
"This year, him at halfback has been amazing with the Hurricanes, you can't doubt any of that.
"I hope he just comes in, is himself and plays his game. He's got the talent, he's got all the skills.
"I'm looking forward to getting to know him, playing with him and trying to learn some tricks off him as well."
Roigard will likely vie with Christie for the All Blacks' second halfback position, when the Rugby Championship begins against Argentina at Mendoza on July 8.
For Roigard, the rise to the All Blacks after less than 50 games across Super Rugby and the NPC is a huge look to the future, as both Smith and Weber head offshore in 2024.
For a player who could fill the jersey for years to come, simply making the All Blacks for the first time was a surprise he was happy to receive.
"I suppose I found out the same way everyone else did," said Roigard. "It was a little bit overwhelming, but I had all my family here, so I was pretty emotional.
"It was a pretty special moment, and having my family and friends all here was pretty cool.
"There was obviously lots of speculation, but in terms of anything official or a reliable source of insight, there was nothing.
"The further into the season I got, I suppose there was more outside noise, but I was pretty fortunate in the [Hurricanes] environment, I've got people there to keep me grounded, the likes of [Dane] Colesy.
"He's a great man and very humble, and just made sure I stayed the same."
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