After an injury-plagued last two years, Chiefs hooker Nathan Harris can't wait for his first start of the season against the Melbourne Rebels in Hamilton on Saturday.
The 24-year-old has been limited to four cameos off the bench this year after he was concussed during the Chiefs tour to South Africa in March.
Harris missed all of the last Super Rugby season with an ankle injury he suffered during the All Blacks 74-6 victory over the United States in Chicago in November 2014.
"I want to go out there and prove myself really and nail my set piece," Harris said.
"People get opportunities in life, so it's just about how you take them and run with them or you leave it and be back on the bench again."
The Bay of Plenty Steamers player realises he can't take anything for granted, with Hika Elliot and Rhys Marshall pushing him hard for game time.
"It's been pretty tough at training in the last couple of weeks and there is a fair bit of niggle going on which has been good and that is only going to make us stronger.
"We are trying to get the best out of each other because it's the best thing for the team, so whoever gets the start is on top of his game," Harris said.
He's promising they won't underestimate the Melbourne side who have lost three of their last four matches.
"There are no easy games in this competition, every single team that we play is tough.
"The Rebels are not going to ease up as they have that Australian conference to fight for, so it's desperation point for both teams," Harris said.
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