This time last year Aaron Cruden was cooling his heels after being left out of the All Blacks' end-of-year tour and told to work on his game.
Sure he could run but there were issues with his kicking and defensive skillsAlthough he did not explicitly say so yesterday, All Black assistant coach Wayne Smith said Cruden was told to work on his game management or, more precisely, his ability to kick a ball.
Now roll on to this week, and Smith said Cruden had done exactly that and was playing with a lot more confidence.
The man himself said playing in the key first five-eighth position in the team was more about just making sure you looked after your own play.
"Now I have a job to do out there and that is what everyone from one to 15 has to do. The focus is on doing your job to the best of your ability."
Cruden has worked hard at his game in the past year, and appears to have improved his tactical kicking and option-taking.
That came down to hard work and the Manawatu man praised Smith for instilling confidence in him.
Cruden has fitted a lot into his 22 years, played rugby to the highest level and also managed to survive testicular cancer.
"I suppose I've had a few experiences in my life to draw strength from and this is going to be a fantastic experience on Sunday night. It's something I've dreamed about since I was a little fellow to play in a Rugby World Cup final."
Cruden said his team-mates immediately put him at ease when he joined the camp, replacing Dan Carter, and that helped his game.
Carter had been in touch and was giving him some helpful tips for the game.
Cruden was not even alive when the All Blacks won the first World Cup in 1987 but had seen highlights of that game since.
He said although this week was special, as you did not play in the Rugby World Cup final every week, it was about finding the right balance and not playing the game too early.
"I'd like to think it is just the beginning of another week. Just going through and doing the normal things for me. Just making sure and being really clear on my role throughout the week and just building so, come game time, I'm ready to go."