While it may not be a game Samipeni Finau would like to look back on, his performance for the Chiefs against Queensland Reds has seen him named an All Black.
The flanker was one of five uncapped players included in Ian Foster's Rugby Championship squad, which assistant coach Jason Ryan pinpointed as the result of a standout showing in defeat.
With several veteran teammates unavailable for the Super Rugby Pacific match, Finau stood up and stood out in his team's only loss of the regular season.
"We've been talking about him all year, but if there's probably a game that stood out for me, it was the one the Chiefs lost against the Reds," said Ryan. "They didn't have Cane, Sowakula and Samisoni, and he stood up.
"He fronted in their forward pack and it showed us that he's exactly the sort of No.6 we're after.
"He's a pretty special lineout forward - defensively and attacking-wise - and he brings a carry that's a real point of difference."
Finau, 24, boasts many traits the All Blacks coaching staff are desperate for, but none more so than his physical tools.
The 1.93m, 110kg loose forward doesn't shy away from contact and has been a rock-solid presence in a dominant Chiefs trio.
While Shannon Frizell has the inside running for the No.6 jersey, the All Blacks coaches expect Finau to challenge for his spot.
"We believe our loose forward mix all adds real physicality," Ryan said. "I think it's a real credit to Ross Filipo and the work he's done with Samipeni at Waikato, through to the Chiefs.
"We've had good conversations with Clayton. It's a whole balance - it's not just on the grass, it's what they're doing off it and I think he's really worked hard to find out who he is as a person.
"He's playing outstanding, he's playing a real physical game, he's putting up big minutes and he's a big part of their team.
"What it does with Samipeni is that it puts a little bit of pressure on Shannon. We see Scott Barrett as a lock who can play No.6.
"We believe with that mix of Samipeni and Shannon, they're both two, big physical players and we've got to get more out of that."
Chiefs teammate and All Blacks captain Sam Cane is delighted to see Finau's form rewarded with a maiden call-up, as well as the other newcomers.
"All the guys that I enjoyed watching light up Super Rugby," he said. "For the guys that you rub shoulders with every day, you see the work they put in, you see what they're capable of doing, and I'm just excited they have this opportunity and hopefully we'll get to see them in the black jersey at some stage.
"I think, naturally, everyone is going to have a spring in their step, come Monday, because we're where we want to be at this time of year in a grand final at home, but super special for them no doubt.
"Some of them would've been just focused on having a good season and whatever happens, happens.
"They've been rewarded and it's great. The boys will get right around them and have another good week of preparation."
