It took four plates, four screws and five weeks of eating through a straw before Crusaders first five Richie Mo'unga started coming right after breaking his jaw in the match against South African side the Stormers in early March.
Nine weeks after being bulldozed by Stormers prop Steve Kitshoff Mo'unga will return to the Crusaders lineup against the Rebels in Melbourne on Friday night.
Mo'unga said he knew immediately it was serious.
"I found myself looking for my teeth ....and if your jaw is in a funny position you know it's not good."
Mo'unga lost five kilogrammes in the first week of his injury but is now almost back to his playing weight of 88kg.
He admits getting his confidence back to make tackles has been a part of his recovery.
"You've just got to trust your doctor and your surgeon that you're good to go...but I've had a good few days getting plenty of contact work in so I'm good to go."
Meanwhile Wallabies halfback Will Genia is adamant his Melbourne side can topple the Crusaders on Friday night.
In free-fall from first to seventh after four successive losses, the Rebels have been given little chance of toppling the defending champions.
But Genia says the Rebels have belief they can be the side to end Australia's embarrassing run of 36-straight losses against New Zealand teams.
"I honestly believe that if we play well and cut down the penalties and makes sure our defence stands up we're every chance of getting a win."