Adam Thomson is set to complete a fairytale rise when he goes from rejected Highlander to All Black tomorrow.
A few weeks ago it seemed more likely another Otago forward, Tom Donnelly, would get the call - or the text message - with good news.
Donnelly has had a consistent season and would more than adequately fill the troublesome position of lock.
But the Otago Daily Times understands it is Thomson, who had a spectacular impact in his first full Super 14 season and captured everyone's imagination with the rare pace and height he brings to the blindside flanker role, who is bound for black.
My initial feeling was Graham Henry would offer first dibs on Jerry Collins' vacant jersey to the more experienced Jerome Kaino and the more classical Kieran Read.
That would have left Thomson in the frame for the end-of-year-tour.
Now the buzz surrounding Thomson has grown to the extent he demands selection.
The wildcard could be if the All Blacks actually view Thomson as a back-up to Richie McCaw at openside.
He certainly has the tools to play there, even if his opportunities at provincial level have been negligible.
It would be a remarkable turn-around by Thomson, who spent years in the Super 14 wilderness before announcing his arrival this year with a series of scorching performances.
Donnelly could be unlucky again.
He performs on the field much as he does off it.
He's direct, blunt and entirely disinterested in the menial things.
In an All Black squad that has placed a higher pre-mium on the X-factor than on grunt work in recent seasons, he would be a nice fit.
Lock was always going to be more open following the departure of Chris Jack to England and the retirements of James Ryan (for now) and Keith Robinson.
When Jason Eaton was not even invited to a pre-naming camp this week, the large hole open for newcomers became a canyon.
Crusaders pair Ali Williams and Brad Thorn are clearly the two best locks in the country.
Donnelly is certainly good enough but the selectors might rate Anthony Boric's athleticism higher.
Thomson would be the only Highlander in my team.
Paul Williams is a fine all-round player but might be just a step off the pace of the leading wingers and fullbacks.
Jimmy Cowan would have needed a better Super 14 to get past Andy Ellis and Brendon Leonard at halfback.
Donnelly, Read, wingers Anthony Tuitavake and Rudi Wulf, and five-eighths Stephen Brett and Stephen Donald are the new caps in my squad.
With Doug Howlett in Ireland and Joe Rokocoko injured, the wing resumes its status as New Zealand rugby's most worrying position.
Proof of that is the guaranteed inclusion of Sitiveni Sivivatu, whose form has hardly been consistent this season.
Lelia Masaga is obviously considered too green and Ma'a Nonu has restated his claims for the midfield.
That leaves a couple of Blues newcomers, Tuitavake and Wulf.
Tuitavake would love a chance at centre and he may get it, but for now the need for an accomplished wing option is too pressing.
Wulf could complete a heart-warming return from a broken neck to get an All Black jersey that must have seemed a distant dream when he was lying in hospital.
Despite concern over Brett's defence the time is ripe to see what he can do.
He covers both 10 and 12, kicks goals and is an attacking spark.
Donald can be infuriatingly inconsistent but his elevation as Carter's understudy always seemed likely when he was invited to a training camp ahead of Nick Evans.
Indeed, the camp has taken a lot of the buzz out of the All Black naming.
The shock of the omission of Evans, Eaton and Chris Masoe will have worn off by the time the squad is announced at 10am tomorrow.
This is still an important squad.
The looming tests against England (two) and Ireland will be the biggest test of New Zealand rugby depth in years.
