Crusaders assistant coach Ronan O'Gara has been blown away by the environment he walked into at the 2017 Super Rugby champions.
The 41-year-old former Irish International arrived in Christchurch earlier this year after being recommended to the Crusaders by Dan Carter.
The former All Black was coached by O'Gara during his stint in France with Racing 92.
O'Gara told RadioLIVE that Carter played a huge role in developing him into the coach he has become.
"I look at someone like Dan Carter, who in my last job helped groom me as a person and a coach and that made me feel like I could engage with these boys and the management team here.
"It is a big challenge but fulfilling."
O'Gara is glowing in his assessment of the culture that coach Scott Robertson has developed in Canterbury, telling Andrew Gourdie and Jim Kayes that it's a stark contrast to that of European club teams.
"We are going well, but I think it is a group as opposed to just the team," O'Gara said.
"The preparation in the Crusaders - that is interesting. They practice what they preach, and their actions back their words.
"It is a very positive, engaging and respectful environment. Culture is the key word at the moment and you have to understand what that is and be true to that.
"Everyone drives culture at the Crusaders, which is a huge point of difference.
"Their humility is good, they're respectful and their values are good and their attitudes are great. It has been a fascinating six months with the Crusaders."
The Crusaders face the Sharks on Saturday night in Christchurch as they look to extend their 12-match winning streak.
O'Gara said the competitiveness among the squad leaves no room for complacency, with all squad members in the running for a spot against the lowest-ranked quarter-finalist.
"We need everybody on-board and sometimes clubs say that but don't do it," O'Gara said.
"Razor [Scott Robertson] has been changing his selections to make everyone feel valued and wanted and that is important.
"We have a competitive group and some guys might not be happy they won't play this week.
"We have good competition for spots, but you can't beat the All Blacks' quality coming back into the team - but in saying that, it doesn't guarantee anything.
"After three months you wonder if this is going to maintain or sustain in terms of appetite for improvement.
If the Crusaders can top the Sharks they will host the Hurricanes or Chiefs a week later.
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