Recruited Wellingtonian and now Crusaders centre Robbie Fruean opened his try-scoring account for his new team against the Blues in the fourth round of the Super 14 competition last Saturday and he is thirsting for more against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday night.
The strapping 1.90m 104kg midfielder clinched the win with a block-busting run in the 66th minute which took the Crusaders comfortably clear. It was a tackle-defying burst reminiscent of Casey Laulala, the player he replaced in that position.
And Fruean said after the Crusaders final practice on Wednesday that more were in store. "There will be definitely a few more, I'll make sure of that,'' he grinned.
"It [first try] was a moment to remember, an awesome experience that topped off a great game by the boys.''
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder said the try was a vindication of why the Christchurch-based franchise had pursued a player good enough to be part of a New Zealand team which won the world Under 19 title and was named Under 19 Player of the Year.
"He showed what a big, strong man can do at times. It was great to see every player run to him and congratulate him on his try – that was really good for mindset and confidence. He's fitted in really well – he's a good boy who will keep his feet on the deck and that's where we need him to be because Richard Kahui is not a bad player to be marking.''
Indeed, Fruean said he enormous respect for Kahui and the All Blacks back three of Mils Muliaina, Sitiveni Sivivatu and Lelia Masaga.
"There all class players, they all come with the All Black tag and they're great players but we have great players as well who are excellent finishers and we have one of the world's best five-fives [Dan Carter]. This will be a chance to test yourself against the best.''
Fruean said having played outside Crusaders second five-eighths Ryan Crotty in the world Under 19 tournament had helped them establish early rapport.
"He's a good player to work off and he makes the job easier because he's always talking to me. I'm enjoying being here as the environment, the training facilities, the coaching staff and the support crew have been amazing.
"It's an awesome environment that gives you the opportunity to really express yourself. You can learn a lot more and there's always room for learning.''
The Crusaders have made two changes, one injury forced, to the team which ran away from the Blues in the last quarter in Christchurch.
All Blacks halfback Andy Ellis, who left the field in the second half after a head knock, is replaced by Kahn Fotuali'i with Willi Heinz coming into the reserves while Isaac Ross, recovered from an ankle injury, joins fellow All Black Brad Thorn at lock with promising Sam Whitelock having his first stint on the bench.
The history books heavily favour the Crusaders who have won 10 of the 14 contests, although the Chiefs have had the better of their recent clashes. They ended the Crusaders 24-match home winning streak with a 30-24 in Christchurch three years ago and backed that with a 18-5 victory at Hamilton in 2008 before losing 13-19 at AMI Stadium in the opening round last year.
Crusaders team to play Chiefs:
15-Jared Payne, 14-Sean Maitland, 13-Robbie Fruean, 12-Ryan Crotty, 11-Zac Guildford, 10-Dan Carter, 9-Kahn Fotuali'i, 8-Kieran Read, 7-George Whitelock, 6-Richie MCaw (c), 5-Isaac Ross, 4-Brad Thorn, 3-Owen Franks, 2-Ti'i Paulo, 1-Wyatt Crockett
Reserves: 16-Corey Flynn, 17-Ben Franks, 18-Sam Whitelock, 19-Thomas Waldrom, 20-Willi Heinz, 21-Adam Whitelock, 22-Colin Slade.