Lachie Turner has come to expect the unexpected at the Queensland Reds.
So when he was thrust into fullback last week by coach Richard Graham after details of Karmichael Hunt's cocaine scandal emerged the morning before their clash with the Western Force, he knew how to handle it.
"Before every game last year, Richard came to me and said, 'You might need to know wing, you might need to know fullback, just learn 13 for me, and you know what - 12, just in case'," Turner said.
"That's the way I've approached every game I've been at the Reds and this year's been no different."
Turner will retain the No.15 jersey when the Reds face the Highlanders on Friday night in Dunedin, but fortunately his preparation this week has been significantly more settled.
The former Wallabies flyer starred against the Force, scoring 13 points in a courageous win that capped off a controversial week for the Super Rugby franchise.
He is quick to point out he was given a lot more notice than Nick Frisby, who was rushed into the No.10 jersey when James O'Connor failed a pre-match medical.
O'Connor has been named to start at five-eighth on Friday night having overcome his knee niggles, and Turner will gladly hand the goalkicking duties over to his former Wallabies teammate.
Turner played outside O'Connor at flyhalf in his last Test match in Wales four years ago and said he was excited to renew their fleeting on-field partnership.
"We've had a few different guys in there and we've been able to play some pretty good footy no matter who's at 10," he said.
"I'm sure this week with James' experience he'll be able to lead us around the park and perform the role we're asking him to play."
O'Connor's hopes of a smooth ride in his first game for Queensland have been boosted with Anthony Fainga'a set to offer him protection from the centres as he returns from a nasty cork.
"Everyone's aware of Anthony's value defensively but also in terms of communication," said Graham.
"That in itself will support James well tomorrow night and in turn help the backs in the way they play."
With James Horwill sidelined due to a hand injury, the responsibility of calling the line-outs falls to Dave McDuling, who will make his first start for the Reds in Dunedin.
Graham said the inside knowledge of former Highlander Adam Thomson, who returns to face 'The Zoo' as an opposition player for the first time, has been valuable.
"He's been away from the program for two years but he understands philosophically the way they want to play and the way they will prepare," Graham said.
"Their back three are potentially the best in the competition in open field, and Ben Smith is arguably the best (fullback) in the world."
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