While the Crusaders mourned another miserable Super Rugby Pacific defeat, David Havili took time to reflect on his own efforts in his first start at first-five.
Havili was named to run on in the No.10 jersey, after some gentle encouragement from All Blacks coach Scott Robertson, with Crusaders coach Rob Penney admitting he'd been coerced into giving him a run at the pivot to ensure the national team have plenty of options to choose from as Richie Mo'unga's replacement.
The All Blacks utility is accustomed to lining up at most positions in a backline, but first-five role carries its own unique complexities, as Havili found out firsthand in the 33-28 loss to Queensland Reds.
Havili looked assured operating behind a forward pack coming off second best to its counterparts, decisive with his option-taking - understandably, favouring the run - and precise with his distribution. He was denied an early assist off a laser longball to flanker Cullen Grace, whose try was erased on review, due to Scott Barrett's knockon earlier in the movement.
Like most of his backline cohorts, he fell off a couple of tackles. His kicking at set-piece was effective, but in general play, lacked the accuracy he would've liked.
That was lowlighted by the one major blight on Havili's evening, when his charged-down clearance near his own line resulted in a back-breaking try to Reds forward Harry Wilson.
Havili concedes he's a work in progress as a pivot, but expects to grow into the role, as his minutes increase.
"It's something different," Havili told Newshub pitchside. "It's a new challenge and something I enjoyed.
"It's going to take a wee bit of time, I know that, but it's awesome to be able to step into those shoes when I can. We've got some quality 10s, like Rivez [Reihana], and he's helped me out a lot this week around driving the team.
"Nothing really changes much for me. I've just got to keep executing my role and help drive the team around."
Judging by current trends, Havili may only have a few more opportunities to run out at first-five this year.
After their eighth loss in 10 games, the defending champions finish the round four points shy of the final playoffs spot, with a run home that includes fixtures against the surging ACT Brumbies and Blues.
Another injury to talisman Barrett, who was forced to leave the field, and a late scratching of Ethan Blackadder with a thigh issue may make that equation even more difficult.
Havili admits losing the All Blacks duo dealt their chances against the Queenslanders a blow, but points to the team's inability to nail the "big moments" as the determining factor in their first home defeat against the Reds since 1999.
"They're both world class players, but we expect everyone to stand up," said Havili. "It's just nailing those big moments.
"We had a few opportunities and got sloppy with a few exits, which allowed them to score and get them back in the game. I thought the boys worked really hard, but it was just those little key moments we couldn't quite grasp in the last 20 minutes.
"You give the Reds opportunities like that and they'll make you pay for it."
The Crusaders now face a trip to Dunedin to take on the Highlanders, where another loss could prove the ultimate death knell to their title defence.
