It has been a hectic week for Augustine Pulu, linking up with Sonny Bill Williams and earning his first All Blacks call-up in quick succession.
And the Counties Manukau scrum-half believes the club, where cross-code star Williams is making his transition back into rugby union, has played a big part in his success.
New Zealand, who will host the British & Irish Lions in 2017, take on Australia next week, shortly after clinching a third straight Rugby Championship title.
Williams has not been named in the squad but uncapped scrum-half Pulu has and the 24-year-old has enjoyed spending some time around the 2011 World Cup winner in preparation for a possible All Blacks debut.
“It’s big to have him in, especially for the young fellas,” Pulu told 3 News.
“To see someone like Sonny Bill come into our region brings a lot of confidence and I guess we’re just really keen to get out there and express ourselves.
“Sonny has fit in really well with the boys and straight into joking and all that, so he’s loving it too.
“I’m quite blessed to actually get this opportunity – I’m really stoked. I’ve always dreamed about being an All Black but I didn’t know it would come true.
“I’m quite lucky – there are so many good half-backs in this country and I got chosen so I feel really blessed. The boys are really happy for me and I guess I’m only playing well because of them.”
