Seven weeks ago, Otago loose forward TJ Ioane was feet up, well positioned on the sofa, and getting prepared to watch the Super 15 on television.
Now, he finds himself starting at No 8 tonight for the Highlanders, as the side takes on the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Injury and a poor run of form by others has seen the abrasive, hard-running Ioane rise up the ranks. He admits it has been a rapid rise.
''I think it all came out of that first game. Nasi [Manu] going down, and a few injuries also. I was just brought in as injury cover. I did not really think I would get any game time,'' he said.
''I'm on a roller coaster ride really. I can honestly say a month and-a-half ago I was just stuck at home just watching Super rugby. Even with injuries, I never thought I would get a crack.
''But it just sort of sprung on me. And when you are in here you are so busy you haven't really got the time to think about it.
''I'm not going to lie to you. It was tough work out there. The game is a lot faster and physical. In the ITM Cup you get the odd team which is fast and then physical but here you get both.
''You get a lot less time to do things. So you have to be in the moment, be in the time and go and do things. Have a crack at that and go for it.''
Ioane came off the bench against the Hurricanes in the third round and then gained his first start last week against the Brumbies, playing the full 80 minutes and earning praise from coach Jamie Joseph.
Ioane, who is Tala James but has been known as TJ ever since he was at school, was originally from Wellington, but moved to Dunedin in 2011, after his chances were blocked by the loose forward talent in the capital.
Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph had told Ioane a few years ago when he was the Wellington coach that Ioane was not big enough and needed to bulk up.
But heart and vigour seems to have won Joseph over and Ioane holds no grudges.
''I suppose I have proved him wrong. But the boss has been good to me. He has given me my job and as long as I am doing it to the best of my ability, that is all I can ask of.''
Ioane is tasked with a tough role tonight, having to fill in at No 8 as the injury curse continues with the Highlanders and Mose Tuiali'i is out with a knee injury. Ioane last played at No 8 for his Southern club side in the club semifinal in July last year.
Since then he has been a specialist on the blindside flank.
But his contribution will be vital tonight for a side whose loose forward trio has been found wanting at times.
With wet weather forecast, the onus will be on the Highlanders' forward pack to muscle up and stop the home team in its tracks.
Failure to do that will mean a long night at the office.
