Flanker Matt Todd will be looking to make the most of a rare Test start for the All Blacks when they face Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday morning (NZ time).
The 29-year-old made his international debut back in 2013 against France but will start a Test for just the fourth time against the Pumas.
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Having played only eight Tests in total in four years, Todd has often been overlooked for selection as he can only cover openside, a position which has been dominated by Richie McCaw, Sam Cane and now Ardie Savea.
Despite that, Todd is determined to put his best foot forward every time he steps on the park and prove his worth to the national selectors.
"I guess when you're not in the team you want to work hard to get back in so, if you do get back in, you're in a position to take your opportunity," said Todd.
"If you drop your lip or don't work as hard when you're not in here, when that opportunity does present itself you won't be in a position to take it and then you let yourself down.
"No matter who I'm playing for or training for, you try and work hard, get better every day and each opportunity to play - no matter at what level - is an opportunity to perform and just try and keep high standards so if you do get called in you don't have to all of a sudden change and start doing something different."
However a lack of opportunities for Todd might see him depart at the end of his current contract which expires at the end of the 2018 season.
But he had very little to say on what his future holds.
"Who knows. We'll see," said Todd.
Teammate Patrick Tuipulotu makes a return of his own on Sunday having not played for New Zealand in 12-months.
The lock last represented the All Blacks against Italy last year and after a rocky year, which included a failed drugs test that was later cleared and a drop off in form, a return to the world champions so soon seemed unlikely
The 24-year-year is rearing to go.
"Been a tough ride for myself, my family also," Tuipulotu said.
"But, in saying that, I think I've come back a better person; stronger, better willpower and it's just a testament to the hard work I've put in during that I'm here now and get the opportunity to put that jersey on."
A win for the All Blacks on foreign soil will clinch another Rugby Championship title.
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