Good things come to those who wait - and Richard Buckman has been more than patient.
Rugby players, by the very nature of the title, want to play. And Buckman is owed some time.
It is 609 days since he played an official match for the Highlanders. The final in 2015 was his most recent competition appearance. A dislocated shoulder in the first pre-season match of 2016 ruled him out for all of last season.
So Buckman (27) has had enough of sitting on the sideline. He wants to be involved, to earn his pay packet.
"I’m pretty excited to get out there and play. I haven’t been there for a long while. The final in 2015 was my last game, so it’s something I’m really looking forward to," he said.
"I’ve played a bit of fullback and it should go all right. I’m pretty much a utility player, haven’t really got a preferred position. I’m not really too fazed by it all. You’ve just got to go out and play your own game."
Buckman had an operation on his shoulder shortly after he dislocated it in the pre-season match in Hong Kong against Racing 92 in February last year.
He slowly worked his way through the rehabilitation and got the final tick from his surgeon last Tuesday.
"It was tough. I’m not much of a watcher, really. I would watch the guys play but when I wasn’t there I would not watch any other stuff."
He waited for about six weeks after the operation before beginning the long road back to full fitness.
That involved four months of strengthening his shoulder through weights and physio work and he admitted it was a long process.
When his left shoulder was good enough, he took off for Japan to ease himself back into playing, turning out for the Panasonic Wild Knights in the Japanese league.
"That was a good way to get back into the game. It is nice and fast over there but not as physical. So I could ease my way into it."
Buckman played a full season with the Robbie Deans-coached side and will now take his place in the Highlanders tonight. He is contracted to the Highlanders to the end of next season.
He will have big shoes to fill, taking the place of Ben Smith but Buckman is a talented footballer who does not lack courage.
The lungs may be struggling throughout the match but he will empty the tank.
The side will head into the contest knowing it must play better than last week. The Highlanders will be more accurate tonight and their All Blacks will be all the better for last week’s run.
The front five of the home team must be strong against the All Black-laden Crusaders pack while a big game will be expected from loose forwards Elliot Dixon and Liam Squire.
Highlanders centre Malakai Fekitoa had a poor game with his hands last week and must improve there. He is rock-solid on defence and that must continue.
The Crusaders were far from perfect last week, with a scratchy win over the Brumbies.
Much will depend on the performance of first five-eighth Mitchell Hunt.
The Highlanders will wear the jersey tonight in which they will play when they take on the British and Irish Lions on June 13.
The jerseys were unveiled this week. A crowd of up to 19,000 is expected tonight.
Highlanders v Crusaders
Forsyth Barr Stadium, today, 7.35pm
Highlanders: Richard Buckman, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Ron Thompson, Tevita Li, Lima Sopoaga, Aaron Smith, Liam Squire, James Lentjes, Elliot Dixon (captain), Tom Franklin, Alex Ainley, Siosiua Halanukonuka, Liam Coltman, Daniel Lienert-Brown. Reserves: Adrian Smith, Craig Millar, Siate Tokolahi, Joe Wheeler, Gareth Evans, Kayne Hammington, Fletcher Smith, Patrick Osborne.
Crusaders: David Havili, Israel Dagg, Jack Goodhue, Ryan Crotty, Seta Tamanivalu, Mitchell Hunt, Bryn Hall, Whetu Douglas, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Sam Whitelock (captain), Scott Barrett, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Joe Moody. Reserves: Ben Funnell, Wyatt Crockett, Michael Alaalatoa, Luke Romano, Jed Brown, Mitchell Drummond, Marty McKenzie, George Bridge.
Referee: Paul Williams
Highlanders key man
Elliot Dixon: Comes back into the team and is now the captain of the side. Needs to be abrasive on attack and not back down when the Crusaders forward pack comes calling.
Crusaders key man
Mitchell Hunt: Is slotted into the important position of first five-eighth with Richie Mo’unga out injured. Hunt is inexperienced at this level and will have to step up and lead his side well around the field.