Dane Coles will miss at least another week of Super Rugby, with his return date for the Hurricanes still unknown.
The All Blacks hooker is struggling to overcome a calf injury that's kept him off the park since late March.
Coles' absence has provided a big opportunity for one of New Zealand's rugby most exciting young prospects, Asafo Aumua.
In Super Rugby, staying afloat and thriving is key, and that’s exactly what the former All Black tourist has been doing.
The hooker starred in the Hurricanes win over the Rebels on Saturday night, his second start of the year.
Couple that with five appearances off the bench, Aumua has been given rare game-time.
Not that his extended run in the game-day squad was something he expected.
"To be honest, no," Aumua told Newshub. "Because 'Colsey' being captain and just being the player he is, I actually thought I wouldn't even be in the 23."
After missing most of 2018 due to poor fitness and then a wrist injury, Aumua began this season as the Hurricanes third-choice hooker.
But the ongoing absence of captain Coles has given him an opportunity.
Assistant coach Jason Holland has noticed a difference in Aumua's approach to rugby.
"This year, he's nailing professionalism," Holland said. "He's got everything going for him, so he's been chomping at the bit for an opportunity.
"The last few weeks he has got that."
Aumua's resurgent form has been a big bonus for the Hurricanes, who have now gone eight weeks without Coles.
"You always like to get a player like 'Colsey' back as soon as you can, but the other side of the coin is, you want to make sure he's 100 [percent] when he comes back for everyone's sake."
But for now, the Hurricanes are focussed on Aumua, who's form has him eyeing returning to Japan for this year's global international rugby showpiece.
"With the World Cup, it's always on my mind, but I try not to think about it too much... just trying to play the best I can for the Canes."
With Coles still on the sidelines and no timeframe on his return, there will be plenty more opportunities for Aumua to prove his All Blacks credentials.
Newshub.
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