Rookie halfback Maia Joseph won't bother looking into the stands for her family, when she makes her Black Ferns debut against USA on Saturday.
The daughter of former All Blacks loose forward Jamie Joseph has been named in the No.9 jersey against the Americans at Hamilton's FMG Stadium, but already knows her legendary dad has a prior booking and won't be there for her big moment.
"It's actually my sister's graduation at the exact same time," said Maia Joseph. "She's graduating law school, so my parents are at that in Dunedin and coming next week.
"Yeah, she must be the favourite... I'm joking."
After returning from his seven-year stint has coach of the Japan national team, Jamie Joseph is back in the south, where he played most of his career, now serving as head of rugby for the Highlanders, who host the Crusaders in a Super Rugby Pacific derby on Saturday night.
Yet another solid reason for missing Maia's debut.
"I've talked to him quite a bit, but not too much about the game, just about him being proud and that kind of thing," she admitted.
After learning of her selection this week, Joseph, 21, texted her family with the good news.
"I didn't really get the whole reaction, but they were really proud," she said. "I called Mum and Dad later... they were really excited and gutted they can't be there.
"Mainly just proud of me, and reminding me to take it all in and be really present, and get stuck in."
Joseph insists she has been accepted easily into the world champion Black Ferns, who are still searching for their long-term replacement for retired legend Kendra Cocksedge after the World Cup two years ago.
Her arrival has come without some uncertainty, as she addressed her maiden media conference alongside veteran lock Maia Roos. The pair have nicknames to avoid confusion - but that hasn't helped.
"She's Squirm and I'm Worm," informed Roos. "The whole team just says that on the field now, because we get too confused with Maia.
"Even though they're quite similar," giggled Joseph.
"Maia still gets said on the field, so if you see me kicking, it's just missed comms," insisted Roos.
Join Newshub at 2pm Saturday for live updates of the Black Ferns v USA Pacific Four test
