Stacey Jones believes Keano Kini is the clear choice to replace Kalyn Ponga at fullback for New Zealand's match against the Cook Islands next week.
"He's the obvious player to come in and he's been with the team... it's his third year this year, his third campaign so he knows what's required."
Ponga broke his left arm during Thursday's 2026 opener at Allianz Stadium, where Australia beat New Zealand 24-22.
Kini, 22, replaced him with 10 minutes remaining and is expected to take the No.1 jersey.
"If that does rest on me, I'll just play my own footy and I l know what sort of footy I can play so I back myself all day," Kini said.
Jones said Kini had been "one the best players last year" and would benefit from the forwards' work.
Kini said the new six-man bench rule meant he had not known whether he would play, adding: "I didn't get to do too much out there but I guess the job for me is to stay ready."
He also praised Ponga's performance despite the injury and said the Kiwis were ready to move on after the loss.
"We've got a bit of fire in the belly now, the motivation to charge up again now."