And that is some achievement, considering how much was at stake during his fine innings of 90 for the New Zealand XI against England in the tour match in Queenstown yesterday.
The talented left-hander is in a head-to-head battle with Tom Latham to join opener Peter Fulton in the playing XI for the first test against England in Dunedin next week.
He managed to put some distance between himself and his rival, and helped New Zealand reach 224 for six.
The home side trails England by 202 runs and has plenty of ground to make up today. England produced the more disciplined of the bowling displays, scored at a more productive rate and is clearly on top.
But Rutherford's form is a huge positive. The 23-year-old could be forgiven for feeling under pressure but said a possible test debut did not cross his mind.
''I was just trying to bat as I usually do and just try and win each ball,'' he said.
''I'll be completely honest, I didn't even think about it. The longer I spent in the middle - that sort of stuffs takes care of itself. I wasn't thinking about it.''
He appeared on track to post a century but was defeated by a delivery from Chris Woakes.
A test debut surely beckons after what was an impressive effort. He hit well down the ground and flashed plenty of trademark drives. He also lofted spinner Graeme Swann down the ground for six to release the shackles when England's attack had got on top.
There is a touch of class about the Otago opener. His ability invites comparison with his father, former New Zealand cricketer Ken Rutherford, even if Hamish would rather be remembered as doing his ''own thing''.
Rutherford's 81-run partnership with Dean Brownlie was the backbone of the innings.
Brownlie's innings of 63 was useful practice for the test series but England had the better of the day.
Stuart Broad and Graeme Swann were threatening and two late wickets helped England strengthen its grip.
England had resumed on 357 for seven and added 69 runs in just under an hour. Bell moved his overnight score from 127 to 158 and was the last man out, well caught by substitute fielder, 17-year-old Michael Rae.
Neil Wagner and Jimmy Neesham were the best New Zealand XI bowlers, with four wickets apiece.
