Highlander Shaun Treeby is not daunted by the challenge of marking the Hurricanes' world-class midfield combination in the crucial Super Rugby match in Dunedin on Friday.
Treeby is the only non-all Black as he and Malakai Fekitoa go up against the Ma'a Nonu and Conrad Smith, international rugby's most experienced midfield combination.
"It's always special to play against the Hurricanes as that's where I started my rugby," Treeby said.
A stalwart of 54 games for Wellington, Treeby has played 43 games for the Highlanders since 2011, and is familiar with the sight of the charging Nonu.
"I've marked him a few times," Treeby said.
"He's an outstanding player. I love the challenge of marking him on defence.
"He's obviously a strong runner and he's developed a good passing and kicking game. He's certainly got a few tricks.
"He and Conrad have set the standard in international rugby but Mala (Fekitoa) and I back ourselves to take on any midfield in the competition.
"We know each other pretty well now so that helps. It's exciting to challenge yourself against the best."
Treeby has become one of New Zealand's most accomplished inside centres and revealed genuine speed off the mark when he sprinted from under his own posts against the Chiefs in Hamilton to set up a try for winger Patrick Osborne.
"I want to try to get myself into space a bit more and that was certainly an ideal opportunity," he said.
There are six All Blacks in the Hurricanes' backs and a smattering in the forwards, but Treeby said the Highlanders, so often unfancied, are looking forward to the challenge.
The rivalry between the Highlanders and Hurricanes has been intense, the Hurricanes winning 12 and losing 11. The Highlanders won a cliff-hanger 18-16 last year.
The Hurricanes this season have 18 points from four consecutive wins, the Highlanders 14 from three wins and a loss.
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