If Richie Mo'unga is meant to feel some pressure ahead of his first start in the black No.10 jersey, somebody forgot to tell him.
The Crusaders first-five was confirmed to start for the All Blacks against Argentina in Nelson on Saturday and says he’s ready for the occasion.
"I just have full trust in why I'm here and the abilities I have and why I've been picked to start this weekend."
It shouldn't have come as a shock that Mo'unga finally got the call, with coach Steve Hansen saying it was just a matter of timing.
Hansen said he is confident the Crusaders star will step up against the Argentina Pumas in Nelson. (Source: Other)
"At 10 you've got to drive the team and you've got to be very comfortable in your own skin within the environment to be able to do that.
"So you've got to give them some time in the group to be comfortable to do that."
But what may have come as slightly more of a surprise, was his partner at second-five.
Despite being cleared of any concussion symptoms and training well earlier this week, Crusaders second-five Ryan Crotty isn't in the 23.
It means Mo'unga will have Hurricanes No.12 Ngani Laumape outside him with another Wellingtonian, TJ Perenara, feeding him the ball from the rucks at halfback.
On top of that, Mo’unga has also been rooming with the missing Hurricanes link - regular All Blacks first-five Beauden Barrett - this week to prepare for the Test.
Hansen said last month he felt Laumape needed to improve his communication skills but Mo’unga said that wasn’t a concern heading into this weekend.
"Ngani's been really proactive in coming to me and his chat's been awesome this week.
"We've had a lot of catch ups about the clarity in our moves and what I want from him and what he wants from me."
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