Crusaders midfielder Dallas McLeod's call-up to the All Blacks may be a surprise to many, but coach Ian Foster has revealed it was just a matter of time.
Foster has kept a keen eye on McLeod since spotting him in his teens, with 2023 undoubtedly being his breakout season in Super Rugby.
Injuries at the Crusaders has seen the usual midfielder shifted to the right wing, where his versatility and attitude haven't gone unnoticed.
"We've been impressed with him for a couple of years," Foster said. "Probably since I saw him in the U20s a few years ago.
"He's big, he's raw-boned, he's quick and he's got an outstanding attitude to get involved, he doesn't hold back.
"He backs himself, he's a great kickchaser, we've seen that on the wing and he's shown that versatility basically through that necessity to change his position.
"We see him primarily as a No.12 and when you looked at our squad, we've obviously got a couple of 12s that are out injured and are unavailable for this championship.
"This is a great chance for us to build some depth in that position, but Dallas' versatility and attitude to make things happen around him have been impressive."
Crusaders teammate Tamaiti Williams is another handed his maiden call-up to the All Blacks.
Williams' ability to pack down on either loosehead or tighthead side of the scrum has made for a meteoric rise for the imposing prop.
At just 22, standing 1,96m (6ft 5in) and weighing 144kg, the sky's the limit for Williams.
"I think he's shown really good, consistent efforts in lots of areas of his game," All Blacks assistant coach Jason Ryan said. "He's a pretty fierce ball carrier, which is important for us, and he's mastering his craft, both on the tighthead and loosehead side.
"That's the point of difference for his game. He's trending up in his career, I believe he's going to put a lot of pressure on, and he's ready.
"He's got a great story. He's just a young, humble kid from Northland, who was given a talent and he just needed to tap into it.
"The biggest difference this year is his game-time through injuries - he was given an opportunity, and he's taken it.
"He's made massive strides off the field, getting his conditioning, getting his body right. It's a real credit to him and he's put himself in great stead.
"We believe he's more than capable of playing test rugby. If you look at guys like Fletcher Newell, Tyrel Lomax and even Ethan de Groot last year, you've got to be brave and give them opportunities, because games are getting quicker."
