Marquee Blues recruit Beauden Barrett confesses that he's already played out the grudge match against his former Hurricanes teammates several times in his head.
Barrett had the contest in his sights for his Blues debut before COVID-19 brought the Super Rugby season to a halt in March, and it just so happens that the schedule for the revised Super Rugby Aotearoa ensures he'll still get that shot at Eden Park on Sunday.
"It's been a long time coming," Barrett says.
"I had a date pencilled in in mind pre-COVID against the team I used to play for and it's great that now I get another opportunity."
Barrett made 125 appearances through a nine-year tenure with the Hurricanes, guiding the franchise to its maiden Super Rugby title in 2016.
But Barrett realises there will be no love lost when he lines up on the opposite side of the field from his former teammates this weekend, joking that he's done as much preparation for the inevitable war of words as he has for the game itself.
"It's more those interpersonal battles that potentially may pop up, so I'm just preparing myself for that….it's no surprise. I know it's coming."
At the top of that list of culprits is Dane Coles, followed closely by TJ Perenara.
"Undoubtedly there will be some cheeky comments, there will be all sorts out there."
One obvious offender he likely won't be troubled by is brother Jordie Barrett, whose shoulder issue has him in doubt to play.
Barrett's entrance to the Blues comes at an opportune time for the team, which had shown glimpses of its true potential through the early weeks of Super Rugby.
The Auckland-based side was one of the form squads of the competition before coronavirus struck, sitting fourth on the overall ladder and second in the NZ conference with five wins from seven games.
Last week, All Blacks great Dan Carter's shock signing added another dose of confidence, and Barrett says the three-time World Rugby Player of the Year has already made his presence felt.
Barrett spent years as an understudy to Carter in the national side and although he's been confirmed as the team's No.1 option at first-five, it's not quite a case of the student becoming the master just yet.
"It's immense. Its seems like yesterday that we were rubbing shoulders back in 2005," Barrett says.
"The first day back at training he was giving me feedback that was so good to hear.
"On-the-go stuff that makes you a better person, rather than waiting to hear it from a coach a few days later, it's just instant. The boost he's given to the team and me personally, it's been huge."
The 29-year-old admits he was as surprised as anyone - "stoked", even - to hear of Carter's addition.
"I knew that he was around. He knew that he still could play but obviously didn't want to travel because of his family situation, which I respect so much.
"It's great that he's given this an opportunity and he's going to give so much on and off the field."
Carter isn't expected to make an appearance until the middle rounds of the revamped, 10-week domestic competition, as he works his way back to match fitness.
Well aware of the physical toll that the NZ derbies are sure to take, Barrett is confident Carter's time will come to step in and make a genuine contribution.
"This competition could be a battle of survival and injuries could come into play. We're definitely going to need 'DC' at some point."
And Sunday's contest against the Hurricanes promises to be an occasion that goes beyond simply rugby.
Touted as one of the first professional games of rugby on the planet to be played in front of a crowd amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Barrett is well aware of the enormous morale boost it will be for sports fans both across the country and worldwide.
Over 25,000 tickets have already been sold and, combined with the early afternoon kick-off, he confesses this match carries a sense of something special about it beyond the obvious personal significance.
"There's been so much anticipation about when the next game of rugby will be and now it's finally here," Barrett adds.
"If we get that number on Sunday it's fantastic and it's even better that we're playing afternoon rugby. I think the product should be better for it as well.
"Let's hope the lungs hang in there and the game is a competitive one."
