Stephen Donald admits starting in the Chiefs No.10 jersey ahead of All Black Aaron Cruden has come as a bit of a surprise.
Donald's star turn in Hamilton against Wales earned him a promotion - as well as Cruden's time away with the Test team with a neck injury.
But the modest veteran certainly didn't see the shock selection coming as they prepare to battle the Crusaders in Fiji.
"It's a nice surprise," said Donald. "I'm excited to have a crack and get out there with the boys."
Back to his best, Donald lights up Wales (Photosport)
Donald helps plan out some of the attack moves for the Chiefs, and this week he'll get to put his own plans into action.
"We've all got our bit parts to play as well as all the preparation that goes, so yeah obviously along with [coach Kieran Keane] and a few other boys, we're in charge of that.
"Obviously we've been building this for a few weeks now, so it's been quite a long prep for the Crusaders."
Richie Mo'unga has settled into Dan Carter's shoes (Photosport)
Donald will come up against rising Crusaders first five-eight Richie Mo'unga, someone who the Chiefs playmaker rates highly.
"Obviously coming into that jersey down there, it's not easy, he's had a great year I thought.
"He's probably one of the main reasons why the Crusaders are on top of the table, he's doing a lot of good things out there."
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