If the Blues are to beat the Crusaders on their home soil for the first time since 2004, then one of Canterbury's finest could just play a part in ending their winless run in the garden city.
After 136 games in red and black with the Crusaders, Romano moved north to the Blues for the 2022 season, and has established himself as a go-to man for coach Leon MacDonald.
The 36-year-old's form has seen him again named in the second row for the Blues' clash on Friday, and will square off against his former teammates for the first time on their home ground at Orangetheory Stadium.
And with inside knowledge of what makes the reigning Super Rugby Aotearoa champion Crusaders tick, Romano is an ace up the Blues' sleeve if they're to end their Christchurch hoodoo.
But aside from his expertise of the Crusaders' inner workings, Romano has been hailed as a "fantastic addition" by assistant coach Tom Coventry, with the Blues sitting second on the overall table, just four points off top spot with a game in hand over Australia's Brumbies.
"He brings so much experience and knowledge he's willing to share," Coventry said.
"He's been the benchmark down there for so long, and it's nice to have him in our camp. He gives a perspective of what it's like to be a successive champion. He plays like it, he gives us confidence.
"He's all about the Blues and his role here in our team. He hasn't spoken too much about the Crusaders, that's a team from the past.
"He's just been good for us, and I know he's concentrating on doing his role in our team."
Blues captain Dalton Papalii is also grateful for Romano's presence. In his first season as skipper, the 24-year-old could do worse than call on the expertise of a serial Super Rugby winner.
"It's been massive for me," Papalii said. "Getting the armband this year, having him sort of being a bit of a mentor for me, telling me a few tips or if I'm stepping out of line, bringing me back in.
"He's been massive for me, I'm so grateful to have him in our camp and I'm just soaking up as much as I can from him.
"He's an old dog here, I'm learning as much as I can off him."
Join Newshub for live updates of the Crusaders v Blues Super Rugby Pacific clash from 7pm Friday.
