Rodney So'oialo insists he is more than comfortable with a change in position for this weekend's Ireland test in Wellington.
The regular No 8 will play at blindside for the All Blacks with Jerome Kaino being named at the back of the scrum.
The Hurricanes skipper says anyspot will do and he knows all three loose forward positions well so he will slot in where needed.
So'oialo, a veteran of 40 tests, says he prefers No 8 but this is a challenge he will relish.
Meanwhile, the All Blacks are well aware of the negativity surrounding the side heading into the first test of the year.
New cap Anthony Tuitavake says the criticism directed at coach Graham Henry in particular has not had a direct impact on test match preparations.
Tuitavake says they know a good victory will help to start putting right last year's wrongs and a win will hopefully put a good vibe through the country.
Around 28,000 tickets for Saturday's match in Wellington have been sold.
