Butler's 'exciting privilege'

 

McCaw is expected to return to action after recovering from a fractured thumb he suffered in the 24-35 loss to the Blues on February 28. 

 

His return will be a welcome boost for the Crusaders but also an 'exciting privilege' for the young Brumbies flank.

 

The 22-year-old, who played 12 Super Rugby games for the Reds in 2012 and 2013, has started all nine games for the Brumbies this year and is looking forward to the test of facing McCaw.

 

"Richie McCaw is one of the best flanks ever to play rugby," Butler told AAP.

 

"That's why you want to play. To test yourself against the best."

 

The New Zealand-born Butler almost exclusively played off the bench for the Reds but has found a regular starting berth for the Brumbies in 2014.

 

He started the season at eightman, but the injury to David Pocock in Round Three has seen the former Australia Under-20 player starting at openside and therefore could directly face-off with either McCaw or Matt Todd.

 

There are still question marks over where Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder will play McCaw.

 

His heir-apparent Todd has been strong form at No.7 in the Crusaders' three-match winning streak, which means that McCaw may either play at blindside flank or come off the bench if he does not displace Todd.

 

Either way, Butler knows that McCaw will bring a lot to the Crusaders' camp and whether he starts or not is not a worry for the second-placed Brumbies.

 

"He brings a lot of confidence to the Crusaders, just having him around is a big boost for them

 

"But as far as what we're going to do, it will stay the same."

 

Butler spent the early part of his life in New Zealand but moved to Australia when he was 13 and says while he didn't support them, he always respected the way they played.

 

"I grew up in Wellington so I was never fond of them.

 

"But I liked watching them. 

 

"They've got really good structure and their work rate is second to none," Butler added.