After plenty of watching and training, Liam Coltman is getting another chance.
Weeks and weeks of being something of a spare part has ended for the Otago and Highlanders hooker.
He has been named on the bench for the All Blacks side to take on the Springboks in Wellington tomorrow night.
Coltman (28) has been with the All Blacks squad of 33 for the Rugby Championship, filling in the third hooker's spot as Dane Coles continues his comeback from injury. It has mainly been just a training role for Coltman.
He has not even been on the bench for the first three games of the series as Coles still remains injured. He was one of the world's highest paid holder of tackling bags but needs must for the All Black side.
Coach Steve Hansen though has given the Alhambra-Union hooker an opportunity this week and Coltman should get a chance to add to his two caps tomorrow night. He replaces Nathan Harris.
He won his first cap against Italy in 2016 in Rome and then played against France at Forsyth Barr Stadium earlier this season. Both appearances were off the bench.
Coltman did manage to fit in a game for Otago in between his training stints, having half a match in the side's big win over Manawatu on September 1.