As the All Blacks face a shortage of options in the outside backs for this week's trip to Argentina, Damian McKenzie has put his hand up to fill in at No.15, as and when he's called upon.
Will Jordan and Leicester Fainga'anuku will not travel, due to injury concerns, leaving just four specialist outside backs on Sunday's plane to Mendoza - only one of them is a fullback.
The All Blacks also boast McKenzie, and brothers Beauden and Jordie Barrett, all of whom have proven capable options for coach Ian Foster.
McKenzie and Beauden Barrett have both enjoyed successful Super Rugby Pacific seasons playing predominantly at first-five, while Jordie has played his entire Hurricanes campaign in midfield.
Shaun Stevenson is the only specialist fullback in the 36-man travelling group, but is uncapped at test level, with Foster perhaps reluctant to throw the rookie into a potentially hostile debut in the black jersey.
Should Foster opt for an experienced test player over fresh blood, McKenzie is happy to slot in at fullback for the Rugby Championship opener next Sunday (NZ time).
"We've obviously got a couple of options there," said McKenzie. "Beaudy's played 15 and Shaun's played there as well.
"I've also played a lot of 15 - not as much this year - but we've got options there. It'd be great to be able to put my hand up for whatever position it is.
"We'll see what Foz [Foster] is thinking next week."
Should Foster hand the jersey to Stevenson, McKenzie is adamant his Super Rugby teammate has earned it.
Despite being the standout fullback this year, Stevenson was left out of the original group named for the Rugby Championship last month.
Only the withdrawal of Jordan and Fainga'anuku has opened the door for a possible debut, with Stevenson named as injury cover for Mark Telea.
McKenzie, 28, insists Stevenson is ready to take his first steps in international rugby.
"He's had a great season and thoroughly deserves to be on the plane to Argentina," McKenzie continued. "Regardless of if he's playing or not, he's had a great week this week and put his hand up to be an option next weekend.
"It's great to have him on the plane."
Should McKenzie be selected to face Argentina, it will end a wait of more than a year to wear the black jersey.
He missed selection after a 2022 sabbatical in Japan, but has more than made up for lost time this year.
In a World Cup year, with fierce competition for places, McKenzie - who missed the 2019 tournament through injury - knows the importance of starting well in the Rugby Championship.
"It's exciting to be back in camp. We had a good week this week, getting over a few things and getting back together as a group.
"To start the year off well in the international season is going to be really important.
"The boys are excited for the upcoming test."
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