Lock Pari Pari Parkinson returns to start for Māori All Blacks against Manu Samoa on Saturday, a week after being denied a spot due to cancelled flights.
Last week, the Highlanders lock - who was forced from the field with a head injury in the Super Rugby Trans-Tasman final - was grounded an extra night in Christchurch en route to Wellington, meaning he couldn't go through the rigid 'return to play' protocols to take the field in the 35-10 win at Sky Stadium.
But the 24-year-old - now safely in Auckland and with medical clearance to play - has been named in the run-on to take the field at Mt Smart Stadium, as part of the team's double-header with the All Blacks v Tonga test.
Parkinson is one of five changes to the team, which includes Tamaiti Williams starting at loosehead prop, with Chiefs' Ollie Norris in line to make his debut for the side as cover off the bench a week after brother Jacob Norris earned the same opportunity.
In the backs, Sam Nock will wear the No. 9 jersey, shifting Bryn Hall to the bench, while Jonah Lowe starts on the right wing.
One-test All Black Josh Ioane is handed starting fullback duties at the expense of Kaleb Trask, who drops out of the game day squad.
Coach Clayton McMillan says they were eager to offer every player in the 26-strong squad a chance to pull on the Māori All Blacks jersey, admitting he's excited about Parkinson's return.
"It has been a special time for the Norris brothers," says McMillan. "Ollie has had a successful Super Rugby campaign for the Chiefs, and this is his chance to step up to the next level."
"Pari last played in the Māori All Blacks jersey, when the team took on Fiji in Rotorua. He was immense that game, provided a huge presence against Fiji and we are looking for a similar game from him on Saturday."
McMillan has also paid tribute to first-five Otere Black, who'll play his final game in New Zealand, before heading to Japan to take up a two-year deal in the Top League.
"His knowledge of tikanga Māori, passion for the jersey and contribution to this team is immense," says McMillan.
"It will be a special occasion on Saturday for Otere and his whānau, and we know both him and the team are wanting to deliver a memorable conference."
Māori All Blacks: 1-Tamaiti Williams, 2-Ash Dixon, 3-Josh Hohneck, 4-Manaaki Selby-Rickit, 5-Pari Pari Parkinson, 6-Reed Prinsep, 7-Billy Harmon, 8-Whetukamokamo Douglas, 9-Sam Nock, 10-Otere Black, 11-Sean Wainui, 12-Alex Nankivell, 13-Billy Proctor, 14-Jonah Lowe, 15-Josh Ioane
Reserves: 16-Kurt Eklund, 17-Ollie Norris, 18-Marcel Renata, 19-Isaia Walker-Leawere , 20-Josh Dickson, 21-Bryn Hall, 22-Rameka Pohipi, 23-Shaun Stevenson
