Rugby: Support act a boost for Cruden

Aaron Cruden has ensured the loved ones that nursed him back from a near-death experience will witness the highlight of his life so far as a professional rugby player.

While his teammates will fill an important supporting role when Cruden makes his first start in the All Black's No 10 jersey, against the Wallabies in Sydney on Saturday, friends and family will also be close at hand.

Cruden's parents Stu and Missy, his girlfriend Grace King, and an array of relatives will be captivated by Cruden's progress as Dan Carter's replacement.

"I'm pretty fortunate I've got as lot of family coming over for the occasion," Cruden said.

They were at his bedside after he was diagnosed with testicular cancer in August 2008, staying steadfast as chemotherapy ravaged the now 21-year-old's body.

And fittingly, they will be in the stands at ANZ Stadium.

"When I was ill in hospital, the support of my family and friends .... even if I was in a foul mood due to the drugs, they'd always be there giving me support," he said.

"Reflecting on it now, it really meant a lot to me, they got me through the tough times."

The third Bledisloe Cup match of the season marks the continuation of Cruden's rehabilitation to a top flight rugby player.

Once the cancer was eradicated, Cruden returned play for Manawatu and then the New Zealand under-20 side, a team he captained to junior World Cup glory last year.

A Super 14 campaign for the Hurricanes was the logical progression this year and in May he was selected in an All Blacks squad for the first time.

Asked if he could believe the path his life had taken since diagnosis, Cruden admitted: "I do reflect a bit, it's been a rollercoaster over the last couple of years.

"I'm grateful to be able to sit in the position I am now.

"All New Zealand kids running around want to be an All Black and now I'm here it's something I'll never take for granted."

Cruden said while recovery from illness was slow, it advanced his personal development.

"I had to mature a lot quicker than I thought I'd have to," he said.

"It made me realise you have to do what you enjoy because you don't know when your time's up."

In keeping with that philosophy, Cruden was not getting too het up over his run-on debut against a Wallabies side buoyed by a last start victory in South Africa.

"My style is I just like to get out there and play footy," he said, echoing the free-spirited character of his Wallabies counterpart Quade Cooper.

"There is a lot of pressure during the week but when you get out there it's just another game, another rugby field. You just want to go out there against the opposition and do what you love."

Given his medical history, it is unsurprising Cruden nominates fellow cancer survivor Lance Armstrong as the person he would most like the meet. The Tour de France legend's autobiography "It's Not About The Bike" is also his favourite read.

But Cruden shifts uncomfortably when asked if he might also be considered an inspiration for others.

"I suppose I've been told that what it's sort of like. I just do what I do," he said.

"If I'm seen as an inspiration to people I'm quite honoured and humbled really."

There is no doubt his parents mould his low-key demeanour. If he has a stinker of a game against Australia, they'll let him know it.

"More than anything I know they're there for support but they both tell me how I've gone, they don't try and sugar coat it."