Aaron Cruden ready for starring role

Fairfax Media

BIG MOMENT: Aaron Cruden has been urged to come out of his shell as he approaches the biggest moment of his short test rugby career.

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Rookie five-eighth Aaron Cruden has been urged to come out of his shell as he approaches the biggest moment of his short test rugby career at ANZ Stadium on Saturday night.

The 21-year-old All Black from Manawatu will make his first test start when he deputises for Dan Carter in the Tri-Nations finale in Sydney - an occasion that's sure to have the talented youngster a little on edge.

But with some familiar faces around him - Piri Weepu is set to start at halfback, while fellow Hurricanes Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith will be lurking outside - the All Blacks are hoping he can make the most of a rare start in Carter's absence.

And Cruden's fellow rookie, Northland utility back Rene Ranger even encouraged the youngster to forget his inexperience and put his bossy boots on.

"I reckon he'll do well," said Ranger yesterday. "He's a great player, he's talented, he's got a good skill set, and I hope he does well. He gets a bit scared bossing the older boys around, in the forwards. But he's got to get that out of his head, do his job and they'll feed off him."

In-form lock Tom Donnelly may be one of those forwards Cruden is reluctant to direct, but he is well aware of what this chance means for the rookie.

"It's a great opportunity for him to cement his spot in the team," said Donnelly. "I was sitting next to him in Africa when Ted told him DC was getting the operation and he'd be starting in Aussie. The look on his face was priceless. He was excited, like a little boy at Christmas."

Well he might be, for Cruden has made all five of his test appearances off the bench and has played just 60 minutes in those matches. He can expect to double that on Saturday night.

"We can't expect him to be a world beater in his first start but I think he'll be able to handle the occasion quite well," added coach Graham Henry.

And Cruden may not be the only backup boy getting his chance. With Weepu likely to get the nod as chief goalkicking option, it could be Israel Dagg comes on to the wing, Victor Vito gets a run in the loose and maybe even Corey Flynn gets a chance up front.

We will know for sure on Thursday when Henry unveils his team - delayed two days because of Steve Hansen's late arrival whilst he dealt with the fallout from the weekend's earthquake in Christchurch.

- © Fairfax NZ News