Catt fight in Newcastle
Little-known Lewie Catt will line up against the world class Brian O'Driscoll when the Combined Country XV take on the British and Irish Lions in Newcastle on Tuesday.
The idea of playing against one of the world's best outside centres is something that is not lost on Catt, and the 25-year-old electrical engineer cannot be more excited about the prospect.
Catt told Fairfax Media: "It's what dreams are made of.
"I have an opportunity to play against the best centre in world rugby for the past decade.
"Brian O'Driscoll is the equivalent to [rugby league giants] Billy Slater or Greg Inglis – it doesn't matter what sport you play or follow, everyone knows them.
"He is a superstar, there is no other word for it," Catt added.
Catt, who is the only member of the squad from the New South Wales Country will be nervous when he runs out onto the Hunter Stadium on Tuesday night but hopes to get stuck into the game as soon as possible.
"I will be a bit nervous running out. The aim will be to get in early and get a first touch," he said.
Heading into the game the difference in quality of the two teams is quite obvious. With eight Super Rugby players in the starting Combined Country XV line-up and a large contingent of club players coming off the bench it is important that they get stuck in as early as possible and try and stamp some sort of authority on the match.
Coach Cameron Blades said: "If you look at our centres, one is from Queensland Country and one NSW Country.
"It is a massive challenge but there is only one way to approach it, and that is to take that challenge on.
"That is the great thing about these guys, they have climbed into everything we have asked them.
"Lewie will be a little bit nervous but the best way to deal with that is to get the ball in hand or make that first early tackle," Blades added.
The Lions had a tough hit-out against the Reds over the weekend and the hosts will be hoping that maybe the schedule and the traveling will be starting to take a little bit of a toll on the players when they meet in the New South Wales city on Tuesday.
