Chiefs halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi is set to make his debut for the All Blacks from the bench against Argentina on Saturday in Nelson, with head coach Steve Hansen saying the time is right to unleash him.
The 23-year-old has been in the All Blacks squad since the June series against France.
Hansen said the Rotorua-born halfback has embraced his selection and has the qualities to thrive at the international level.
"He's a typical halfback, he's pretty chirpy," said Hansen.
"He's a chirpy wee fella and has a lot of self-confidence which is what you need from those wee guys."
Tahuriorangi has played only a handful of games for the Chiefs in the Super Rugby this year and starred in Taranaki's 26-19 win over Counties Manukau last week at Pukekohe.
"We've taken our time with him and he hadn't played a lot of rugby during Super Rugby.
"That I guess is not helpful for him but being in here we've worked him hard and we're confident if something was to happen to TJ (Perenara) he'll go the 80 minutes.
"It's now time to take the risk and reward factors in consideration of playing him and we feel the rewards will be many.
"So we are prepared to put him on the bench."
The All Blacks are unbeaten in the Rugby Championship and will host the Springboks next week in Wellington.
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