It's why this year has been a relatively good one for the Crusaders loosehead. He started all three tests against France in June when Tony Woodcock was out with his nose abscess and he picked up another start against Japan in Tokyo for a dozen appearances in total, a stark contrast to the previous three years when his opportunities were extremely limited.
Crockett can thank the International Rugby Board, who made the addition for safety reasons this year, for his improving prospects. Having two props on the bench means he takes his place as a specialist loosehead when previously Ben Franks was ahead of him as the Hurricanes player can cover both prop positions.
Woodcock's hamstring injury means Crockett was an automatic selection for his first outing against Ireland. He is closing the gap on 107-test veteran Woodcock, but he isn't quite there yet.
"When there was only loosehead playing each week I wasn't getting picked so that made it a bit harder that's for sure,'' Crockett said. "I loved the opportunity to start three tests in a row against the French. That was huge for me. I love starting, that's always the goal.
"[But] Woody's not a 100-test All Black for nothing. He's a great All Black, probably one of the best looseheads in the world over the last 10 years and he's still up there. At times you'd like to be starting but I fully respect what he's been doing and he's still performing at a bloody high standard.''
One of the strengths of this All Blacks team is their togetherness and willingness to work for each other as they seek constant improvement.
"That's something that's been outstanding in this team. The senior players and management group are constantly reinforcing those messages.''
Now that they are on the brink of history and a perfect season, Crockett believes it's up to him and the other six players who didn't start last weekend _ Andrew Hore, Charlie Faumuina, Luke Romano, Steven Luatua, Aaron Cruden and Cory Jane to add energy.
"For us guys sitting in the wings or on the bench, we probably are a little bit fresher. We do have to bring a bit of spark, so that's definitely something I'll try to bring.
"The thing about this week is that it's the final of the season. That's how I've tried to build it up in my head - that it's a final in a competition. When you're going into a final you try to maximise your preparation to give yourself the best chance to play well.
"It's the last game of the year. It's a big test. Obviously we all know that [perfect season] is there in the background. We're not trying to focus on that but it's there, there's no point in trying to hide from it. It just adds another layer to it I suppose.''