There will be no Izzy but the show goes on.
The absence of Hawke's Bay star Israel Dagg - out for three months after surgery to his quad - from the Crusaders team on Saturday is a disappointment for his home crowd but far from the end of the party.
And what a
Super Rugby party it will be when the Crusaders take on the Chiefs at McLean Park.
The Crusaders' loss in not being able to play at home due to the damage to Jade Stadium from the February earthquake has been a huge opportunity to those centres lucky enough to pick up one of their "home" games.
On Saturday that's us. McLean Park, home of the Crusaders. For one night.
It is looking like being close to a sellout - great news for the local economy and a timely opportunity to hone our World Cup attitude as big game hosts.
There will be hoopla. The Crusaders are bringing their famous horses, which began their journey today, and Midnight Youth play before the game. After the game, one would expect tills to be ringing in local bars and clubs.
Izzy might be sidelined but there is plenty of Bay talent in the respective squads: For the Crusaders, Matt Berquist and Kahn Fotuali'i, and for the Chiefs Hika Elliot and Sona Taumalolo.
Both sides really want the win with "home" side the Crusaders recently showing a few chinks in their usually impenetrable armour and naming their top team for the clash.
Will they feel they have a home advantage over the ever-threatening Chiefs, or will the Chiefs simply view Hawke's Bay as just an extension of Waikato for the night?
Either way, we are grateful for the spectacle. Thankful to the Crusaders for bringing world class rugby to Napier and pleased Hawke's Bay Rugby Union can play host.
It will be a big night of rugby, in all likelihood every bit as big as the coming World Cup games.
If you haven't got your ticket, be quick.
