For one rare week in his brief All Blacks career, Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi may finally get to be himself at national team training.
With the New Zealand team effectively splitting in two for their Northern Hemisphere campaign, the diminutive Chiefs halfback will emerge from the shadow of the country's leading number-nine exponents, Aaron Smith and TJ Perenara.
They will probably be among the advance guard sent to Europe early to prepare for next week's test against England at Twickenham, leaving Tahuriorangi as the senior-ranking halfback in residence.
He has been joined by rookie Crusaders halves Mitch Drummond and Bryn Hall.
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At 23, the man often conveniently referred to as 'Triple T' isn't exactly an experienced international himself. He has been the spare wheel in the halfback platoon, since his selection for the June domestic series against France.
His only playing time came late in the 46-24 Rugby Championship win over Argentina in Nelson last month, when he ran on to replace Perenara at the base of the scrum.
That doesn't mean he has been idle during that time - far from it - but it does mean he hasn't exactly been himself.
"You're obviously disappointed when you don't get named, but you've got to do what's best for the team," explains Tahuriorangi.
"For me, that's mimicking the opposition 'nine' and helping prepare our nines who are starting or playing.
"For example last week, I was opposing as Will Genia, and making sure TJ could go out there and have a good game."
Perhaps that's a perfect illustration of what makes back-up players in any code better coaches when their playing days are over.
"You're pretty much learning two structures," says Tahuriorangi. "You're learning the Australian structure and you have to be prepared to play for the All Blacks as well."
With Smith and Perenara out of the way, there's also a vacancy at the head of the All Blacks haka against Japan, something Tahuriorangi would embrace if it was offered.
"It would be a special moment, but it would be a matter of making sure I didn't get overwhelmed by it, and making sure I was very clear and calm, so that's all I'm thinking about.
"Whoever gets the nod to lead the haka, it would definitely be a special moment for that person."
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