Only one name was on the All Blacks minds this week - Canada captain Tyler Ardron, who's made a name for the Chiefs in Super Rugby over the past couple of years.
The lock-turned No.8 will line up against four of his teammates in Oita, when the 'Canucks' take on the All Blacks in their Pool B clash.
The Chiefs forward's been getting big wraps from All Blacks coach Steve Hansen.
"He’s established himself as good as anyone in Super Rugby," Hansen said.
Now he gets his chance to impress at a World Cup in his first test against the All Blacks.
[It's] "super exciting," Ardron said. "Even if I never moved to New Zealand, I think this would still probably be a huge highlight in my rugby career and having a personal connection is even better."
Ardron may have a slight advantage - the fact he has played against the All Blacks players in Super Rugby may make the match a little less intimidating.
"It’s humanised them way more, being in the culture and being friends with so many of them," Ardron said. "It’s exciting, but I know they have their faults, just as we do.
"I’ll try to exploit as many as I can and I know everybody else will."
Ardron has caught up with his Chiefs teammates over coffee this week. Brad Weber, Angus Ta’avao, Atu Moli and Nepo Laulala are all playing against Canada.
Weber was the first to get into some banter with Ardron, who has a side gig as a yoga instructor.
"I heard he became a yoga instructor just to meet girls," Weber said.
"I had my heyday and it’s since gone now, but it was a good time," Ardron said.
Join us for live updates of the All Blacks v Canada match from 11:15pm on Wednesday October 2.
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