For a man who still considers himself an “out-and-out” five-eighth Gareth Anscombe is doing a very good impression of a bona fide fullback.

Anscombe has started every game for the Chiefs in the No.15 jersey so far this Super Rugby campaign due to foot and groin injuries to Robbie Robinson, and Tim Nanai-Williams’ shift to centre to cover the absence of Richard Kahui (shoulder).

But the 21-year-old former Blues pivot has looked composed and has enjoyed the challenge of adapting to the unfamiliar position – and the regular game time.

“It’s a pretty big learning curve for me,” Anscombe admitted. “I’m still adjusting to playing at fullback but I’m really enjoying it.

“You’ve got to think a little bit differently. At 10 you’re in the front line a lot and in the thick of it. At 15 you can pick and choose when to come in and you’ve got to organise a lot from the back rather than being in the play.”

Despite his successful switch, Anscombe has not given up his five-eighth hopes, despite All Black Aaron Cruden being the Chiefs’ incumbent.

He will line up in the back three again on Friday night when the Chiefs welcome the struggling Highlanders to Waikato Stadium.

While the Chiefs weren’t overly happy with last week’s bonus-point defeat of the Southern Kings, Anscombe believes they are not far away from the complete performance.

He also believes the winless Highlanders will improve too.

“They are a really dangerous side to be playing this weekend,” he said. “Guys like Ma’a (Nonu) are back in contention to play and they have a really dangerous backline to go with a pretty sturdy forward pack.”