Within the space of a fortnight, Nepo Laulala has gone from the All Blacks' fringes to their premier tight-head talent.
Yet the Chiefs-based prop says he's not overthinking his duties as he prepares for a second consecutive Test start against Argentina on Saturday.
With Owen Franks out for the season and Charlie Faumuina France-bound, Laulala and Ofa Tu'ungafasi have quickly catapulted into the Test frame.
Yet it's Laulala - formerly Franks' Crusaders protege - that has been preferred for the No.3 jumper, first against Australia in Dunedin and now in New Plymouth.
Coach Steve Hansen has previously cited Laulala's set-piece proficiency as a key reason for this choice, with the agile Tu'ungafasi injected later in the match.
Laulala, for his part, was sticking to the tried and true formula.
In an attempt to keep a cool head on the biggest stage, he hadn't mixed up any of his pre-match processes or rituals, and felt better for it.
"When it comes to big challenges, people tend to try to do too much, they think they need to change their routines and stuff," the 25-year-old prop said.
"You've got to trust the routines and structures already in place.
"Maybe a little bit of change, to adapt to how they scrum, but nothing really changes - just working together with the boys, playing with the best."
Nevertheless, Laulala said he was honoured to return to the All Blacks fray, having played four Tests in 2015 before injuries hampered his progress.
He pledged to produce his best against Los Pumas.
"I'm absolutely grateful - I'm taking it day by day, moment by moment, making sure I leave no stone unturned. I know there are many others out there that'd die to be in the position I am today," the Samoan-born Laulala said.
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