Crusaders v Blues
Christchurch, 7.35 tonight
There might be a Cantab directing the Blues around the park tonight, but for a while last winter it looked like it was going to be the man opposite him that would be upping sticks and heading north.
As it turned out the Crusaders kept the master and Pat Lam and his Blues ended up with the apprentice.
In that respect, Dan Carter is perfectly positioned to analyse the strengths and weaknesses of his opposite, Stephen Brett, tonight.
They have followed similar career paths - Christchurch Boys' High, Old Boys, Canterbury and Crusaders - but while Carter showcased his phenomenal range of skills at Super rugby level, earning selection for the All Blacks in 2003, Brett's path has stalled below the ultimate level.
That, allied to Graham Henry's frank assessment that moving would give Brett his best opportunity to make the All Blacks, saw him head north. Just for a minute, though, it looked as if Crusaders' fans were going to have to bid farewell to their favourite son.
"There was talk about it," Carter said on the eve of the most anticipated match of the Super 14 season to date. "It was mainly based around the fact I was living in Auckland and it would be easier, but I've always been really happy at the Crusaders and this year is no different."
So Carter stayed and Brett left, but who has the bigger advantage: the Crusaders for knowing the opposition pivot's every move, or the Blues for the insight Brett can give them into the red-and-blacks' patterns? "It goes both ways," Carter said. "We know some of his common traits and what he likes to do in certain situations, but in return he played a lot with us and will be able to impart that knowledge."
Carter has been impressed with the way the 24-year-old has slotted into Pat Lam's systems and believes he will only get better. "He's fitted in extremely well," Carter said.
The match-up will provide real spice in a game that needs no artificial seasoning. Carter says it's a rivalry he grew up with, going back to some of the classic Canterbury-Auckland clashes in the old NPC.
The two teams meet tonight with identical two-win, one-loss records but while the Blues have probably exceeded expectations in winning two in a row on the road, the Crusaders, competition favourites, have flattered to deceive.
Carter admits he has taken time to get back into stride. This time last season he was in a cast after rupturing his Achilles while playing for Perpignan in an ill-fated "sabbatical" season and he is easing his way back into the style and tempo of Super rugby.
The same could be said of his team. After an opening round win against the Highlanders that was more difficult than it needed to be, they came crashing down in the heat of Suncorp Stadium.
Carter said they need to retain the momentum they achieved in their bounce-back victory over a poor Sharks team last week.
And aside from all that, the Blues is a team they just can't abide losing to.
