Isaia Toeva has been left contemplating a watershed in his test rugby career with confirmation that experienced fullback Mils Muliaina will miss Saturday's historic Bledisloe Cup encounter against Australia.
Muliaina was scheduled to join the All Blacks squad today , but has chosen to remain home with wife Hayley and their new son Max, who was born on Tuesday.
All Blacks assistant coach Wayne Smith confirmed the 65-test veteran will not travel north until New Zealand have played Scotland in Edinburgh next weekend.
That leaves a gaping hole in terms of experience in the All Blacks back three to face Australia, given right wing Hosea Gear will be making his test debut at Hong Kong Stadium. Another new face, Wellington fullback Cory Jane, is also on the bench.
Toeava has been entrusted with marshalling a new combination, aware his reputation guarantees he will be targeted by Australia's tactical kickers Matt Giteau and, when he comes off the bench, Berrick Barnes.
The Aucklander has experienced contrasting emotions since he made his debut at fullback against Scotland on the 2005 Grand Slam tour, with his form and confidence often wavering.
Smith made no attempt to gloss over the magnitude of the task confronting Toeava in his 19th test, but took comfort from the fact the utility had been forewarned.
"This probably a watershed moment for him," he said.
"The Aussies feel he's a weakness I think. No one can go out there and do it for him. Ice (Toeava) has to do it for himself.
"He's had a good build-up, a good week, the backing of the boys and the backing of the coaching staff."
Team management had been prepared for Muliaina's absence, and Toeava consequently trained in the fullback position since the squad assembled last weekend before leaving for Asia.
"When we were in camp last week in our one-on-ones with him, Graham (Henry) and I said there was a possibility he would play fullback and how did he feel about that? He was pretty confident given a good week he could do himself justice and the team justice.
"I think he's in a good space."
Toeava has rarely been a fixture in the starting line-up since his debut in Edinburgh as a teenager.
His versatility has also been a curse at provincial level with Auckland -- this season an injury crisis saw him play at first five-eighth, a role he is reluctant to fill.
However, he is more at home at fullback, and Smith was impressed with his input in New Zealand's defence of the Bledisloe Cup and Tri-Nations crown last month after he replaced an injured Leon MacDonald.
"We thought he did pretty well for us when he came during the Tri-Nations," Smith said.
"He did well in the areas important under the ELVs (experimental law variations).
"He was good in the air, defused some high balls, and ran strongly."
Still, Muliaina will be a significant loss as the All Blacks seek to wrap up their trans-Tasman series 3-1.
"The thing I've noticed over the years is the bigger the game the better he plays," Smith said of Muliaina.
"He's basically the captain of the back three. He has a huge amount of mana."
Smith said after Muliaina made a decision that was "obviously best for his family", the onus was now on 29-test left wing Sitiveni Sivivatu to take a leadership role at the rear.
"The three boys have to step in -- Siti plays a huge part in that -- he's an experienced player.
"He sees the games well, he'll take a leadership role there. Hosea and Ice are exciting players too, hopefully they've got the confidence to use their ability."
