All Blacks fly-half Aaron Cruden is relishing the opportunity of replacing Dan Carter in Saturday's Test against Argentina in Wellington.
Cruden makes a rare run-on appearance for New Zealand and is aiming to make a big impact in the Carter's famous number 10 jersey.
"I don't think Dan likes Wellington too much," he told Sportal.
"He gets a couple of niggles here and there whenever we seem to be playing here but it is a good opportunity for me.
"You always want to be in the starting lineup and I've got an opportunity now and I'm just keen to go out there and make the most of it."
Cruden said finding out that he would be in the starting XV at such a late stage was not a problem for him as every player in the All Blacks squad are advised to always be prepared to play.
"Everyone needs to know the game plan and everyone needs to know what relates to them," revealed the 23-year-old.
"For me, I was doing that throughout the whole week so I don't think it impacts too much getting notified this late.
"I'm just keen to rip into it on Saturday night now."
The Chiefs pivot said he would not be doing anything differently and wants to make his presence felt on Saturday.
"I'm just keen to go out there and play my natural game within the systems we have," he explained.
"I've been an opportunity now to start and I am keen to make the most of it."
Cruden is aware of Argentina's tactic of using their big forwards to run on the opposition's fly-half but said it was a ploy that he has become used to at Test level.
"I just concentrate on trying to chop them pretty early and bring our loosies into the game and it will be no different here," he said.
"The forwards really set the platform for the Argies and it's my job to try and take the big boys down."
Comments
Euskadi says...
Thats right ruckingkiwi, La Plata will be a different set of circumstances (and teams). Regardless of the outcome in Wellington I expect La Plata will be more competitive because of the Pumas familiarity with the ABs and because of the home advantage, but the result will be the same.
@Lalby: Sabremos más después del sábado. Pero estoy seguro de que los All Blacks se enseñará a los Pumas una lección de rugby.
Posted 10:36 07th September 2012
APV1 says...
@ Euskadi - they'll both be Back In Black before you know it. Hell's Bells they're good. If they don't win, they should leave on the Highway To Hell. They mustn't get upset and should keep a Stiff Upper Lip. I think it's finely poised, as if it's on a Razor's Edge. I'd love to be a Fly On The Wall during those High Voltage discussions. But with a simple Flick Of A Switch, they might Blow Up Your Video.
You get the idea. I'll stop now.
Posted 10:25 07th September 2012
ruckingkiwi says...
Wellington this week lalby, but good luck. Looking forward to La Plata in a few weeks, but doubt it's any worse than 90000 Afrikaakers.
Posted 01:44 07th September 2012
porridge_time says...
Cruden was the form in ten in Super Rugby. He had the best attacking game by a country mile. Obviously it will come down to how good the platform is, but coupled with Aaron Smith the AB attack could be lightning quick and too much for Argentina.
Weather not looking great though... wife winging already about how cold, wet and windy its going to be.
Posted 22:49 06th September 2012
lalby says...
hi euskadi, try to be more realistic, and think that 15-15 guys in a rugby field it's an sport where teh possibilities are quite similar....
By the way remember teh ab's will play in La Plata with more than 50000 people in a
"friendly reception" to this negros ....
Posted 22:06 06th September 2012
paulynz says...
Have every confidence in our youngsters to do the job and do it well. AC is just a little guy but he has the heart of a lion and won't shirk on defence. Having Aaron Smith inside him and a mostly Hurricanes backline outside him should help settle him into the game easily
I hope the ABs give the Puma the Kapa o Pango haka to honour the occasion and pay the utmost respect to the Puma.
Posted 21:00 06th September 2012
Euskadi says...
Cruden to rip these guys to pieces, he has a point to prove...was better than DC during S15 2012 and IMO should have started as first choice 10 for the ABs with DC @ 12. AC/DC now that doesn't sound too bad.
Shame that ACs Chiefs team mate SBW isn't there to run off him, their understanding this year went a long way to contributing to the Chiefs success, mind you with Nonu and Smith outside him from his 'Canes days and service from his Turbro team mate Smith there won't be a lack of familiarity for these guys.
ABs to win comfortably, if they click then it could be a cricket score but I expect anywhere between 10-30 point margin and they'll be pushing for a BP.
Posted 18:44 06th September 2012