Opportunity knocks for Highlanders hooker and All Blacks aspirant Liam Coltman as he starts a big weekend with the crunch Super Rugby match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
The Highlanders were fortunate winners over the Lions last weekend and Coltman concedes they have to improve to have a chance against the in-form Hurricanes on Friday night.
"The Lions came out firing in the second spell and we didn't react well," he said.
"We're certainly going to have to play a lot better than that and concentrate for the full 80 minutes."
Coltman, 24, will travel to Christchurch after the match for the first All Blacks' training camp of the year.
"It's a big weekend and I can't wait - it should be fun," he said.
"I'm definitely a bit nervous but I've just got to put the All Black camp to the back of my mind until it happens and play well for the Highlanders."
The bearded Coltman has played 23 games for the Highlanders and is one of the senior members of the pack.
He feels he has made improvements since last last year but knows there are always areas to work on.
"My lineout throwing's been a lot better," he said.
"I had a couple of bad throws against the Lions but I'm determined to get that right."
The Highlanders have been depleted after losing three forwards - lock Josh Bekhuis and flanker John Hardie to knee injuries, and prop Chris King to suspension.
They join winger Patrick Osborne (ankle), lock Brad Thorn (bicep), prop Craig Millar (shoulder) and Kurt Baker and Brayden Mitchell (both suspended) on the unavailable list.
Coach Jamie Joseph said five-eighth Lima Sopoaga was touch and go to play against the Hurricanes and Hayden Parker would again wear the No.10 jersey if Sopoaga was ruled out.
"We've been fairly lucky for the first part of the season but the injuries and suspensions are certainly not helping now," Joseph said.
Four Dunedin-based players have been called in as cover - prop Aki Seiuli, utility forward Charlie O'Connell, New Zealand under-20 lock Josh Dickson and flanker Hadleigh May.
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