From a Test series decider to a clash with his childhood hero - it's one of the bigger learning weeks for Reds enforcer Lukhan Tui.
The 21-year-old was still coming back to earth after earning a rare 80-minute shift in the Wallabies' third-Test loss to Ireland.
Despite Australia ceding the series, hulking flanker Tui was thrilled to be deemed ready for a start in Sydney by coach Michael Cheika and to see out the game after coming off the bench in the first two Tests.
He grew into the game, making strong charges in the second spell and being prominent at lineout time.
His effort suggested the lock/blindside exponent has the inside running to wear No.6 again in twin Bledisloe Cup Tests in August.
"To play 80 at such a high level is something that's pretty cool," Tui said.
"I didn't have much minutes coming into the June Tests. For Cheik to have that faith in me and chuck me in was good. I think anyone would put their hand up to play 80 in a game like that."
He wants to take his momentum into Super Rugby with the Queensland Reds, who face the Blues in Auckland on Friday.
Both teams lost form before June and have dropped from playoff contention but Tui feels the team has plenty to prove, along with himself.
He has made only three appearances this season because of knee surgery, suspension and the battle for loose forward berths at the Reds.
Inspiring him will be the sight of All Blacks great Jerome Kaino on the Blues' blindside flank.
It will be the 35-year-old's final game at Eden Park before taking up a French club contract and Auckland-born Tui wants to make an impression against a player he's seen as a role model.
"The big thing I see in him is his physicality and just his presence on the field. He's real physical, he's good at the edges and he's got really good skills," Tui said.
Having expressed some trepidation at the thought of being switched from lock to blindside flank at Test level last year, Tui says he's now comfortable in either role.
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