Cruden keen to impress
All Black flyhalf Aaron Cruden plans to make the most of his rare starting opportunity in Saturday's Test against Argentina at Westpac Stadium as an injury replacement for Dan Carter.
Cruden was drafted into the run-on side on Thursday after Carter, who had originally been named in the starting XV, withdrew with a calf strain.
"I don't think Dan likes Wellington too much," Cruden jokingly told Sportal.
"He gets a couple of niggles here and there whenever we seem to be playing here but it is a good opportunity for me.
"You always want to be in the starting line-up and I've got an opportunity now and I'm just keen to go out there and make the most of it."
Cruden said being thrust into the starting line-up two days before match day was not a problem.
"Everyone needs to know the game plan and everyone needs to know what relates to them.
"For me, I was doing that throughout the whole week so I don't think it impacts too much getting notified this late.
"I'm just keen to rip into it on Saturday night now."
The 23-year-old said he would play to his strengths rather than fall into the trap of trying to emulate Carter.
"I'm just keen to go out there and play my natural game within the systems we have," he explained.
"I've been an opportunity now to start and I am keen to make the most of it."
The Super Rugby-winning Chiefs pivot added that he would be up to the task defensively with the Pumas known to send big ball carriers down the flyhalf channel.
"I just concentrate on trying to chop them pretty early and bring our loosies into the game and it will be no different here," he said.
"The forwards really set the platform for the Argies and it's my job to try and take the big boys down."
