Aaron Smith (26), pocket rocket, passer of the ball with lightning speed and first-choice All Black halfback by quite some distance.
A key player in what is a key year. The World Cup looms over all rugby this year, and Smith is certain to play a big part in it.
So, for Smith, seasons come and seasons go but this one shapes as a big one.
There is a plan for the next eight or nine months but the immediate focus for Smith is to start well, and that means getting one over the Crusaders tonight.
''It's the big brother-little brother battle and the first game for us to start with. We had it a few years ago when the stadium opened and it was a pretty special event,'' he said.
''You know it is always very exciting. We are always underdogs against these guys. So we should be. They've got an awesome record and great players.
''But we do like the underdog tag and we can throw our weight around. But we have to front for our people.''
Smith, who has now played 38 tests since making his debut in 2012, said he was not going to look too far ahead in the season.
''I'm just excited about this game first. And then see where we'll be Sunday. I always enjoy playing for the Highlanders.
''If you can't get up and play in this stadium and in Tony Brown's game plan, then when can you? Everyone wants to remind you it is a pretty big year but it is a pretty big game [today], too.
''I feel good and the body feels good, so I just can't wait to start.''
The man from Manawatu, who had a quiet summer back home with his family, said he was on a set programme on match management but it was a moving beast.
''There is a plan around the year. It is pretty fluid and not as hard-out as people think. It's pretty low key and what games I have to miss and minutes I have to play.
''I am pretty keen to stick to it. At the end-of-year tour [last year] I got a bit tired but they gave me a couple of weeks off to refocus and work on a couple of things. Your body feels good but mentally you start fading.''
Smith will be part of a backline which will look to unleash tonight.
The Highlanders have plenty of dangerous weapons, with wingers Patrick Osborne and Waisake Naholo wanting to get their hands on the ball as often as possible.
The Highlanders, though, know their engine room will have to come to the party if they want to notch their first win over the Crusaders since 2012.
Josh Hohneck, Liam Coltman and Ross Geldenhuys have a thorough examination at scrum time, facing two All Black props.
It is a tough Highlanders debut for the two props and there is no place to hide, but they simply have to front up in their first audition.
Coltman blew his chance last year when a black jersey beckoned but he is still a good player and must make the most of the opportunity.
The Crusaders will want to get more hungry at the breakdown and in fact need to get better in this department if they want to have any chance in the match.
Dan Carter is missing but filling his boots is Colin Slade, facing his former team.
• For live scoring and analysis of the Highlanders v Crusaders game, head to www.odt.co.nz from 7.15pm tonight.
