The All Blacks' Crusaders contingent are savouring being back in Christchurch for a test homecoming in their Rugby Championship clash against Argentina at Orangetheory Stadium on Saturday.
New Zealand last played in Christchurch against the Springboks in 2016, in a 41-13 at what was then known as AMI Stadium.
All Blacks coach Ian Foster's match-day squad for the test includes eight Crusaders players, making it the most represented NZ Super Rugby team.
With the region ravaged by earthquakes in 2011, lock Sam Whitelock knows all too well of the importance of the occasion.
"I saw what the community went through, not just here in Christchurch, but the whole greater area," he said.
"The things people went through, whether it was a five-year-old kid waiting for their parents to come pick them up from kindergarten after a number of different earthquakes and tremors.
"Or whether they were an older person, and put under stress that way. So it is great for test match rugby back here in Christchurch. I know it affected the community massively just before the World Cup and losing all those test matches, so it's great to be back.
"Little bit surreal when you're looking around and there's not actually a lot of people that were playing professional rugby when those earthquakes happened in the team, so it's nice to be able to pass on some of those messages that we've had through the years that have gone past.
"I know for a lot of kids, it's their first chance to go to a game, so fingers crossed it's a nice night out there and not so cold."
Local fans have become accustomed to winning, with the Crusaders and Canterbury at the forefront of Super Rugby and NPC titles over the years.
Whilst Whitelock is grateful to be playing at his old stomping ground, he doesn't believe their experience at the venue will necessarily help them come kickoff.
"My wife's pretty happy we're here, I've been sneaking home every night, so it's nice to spend a little bit of time with the kids," he said.
"It is great to be playing in New Zealand, but for the guys that are based out in Christchurch, it is nice to be here at home. It is a great place to play, I love it here and it's quite exciting.
"While I love playing here in Christchurch, it's still the same size, all those things that both teams have to deal with, and what the weather throws at us
"It is just being aware that it might be a little bit more slippery than people are used to…but it's all those schoolboy things that we should have nailed before Saturday."
All Blacks winger Will Jordan is another who has come through the Crusaders ranks, having made his Super Rugby debut in 2019.
He echoed Whitelock's sentiments, and is looking forward to seeing a few more familiar faces in the stands at OrangeTheory Stadium.
"Pretty buzzing to be fair," said Jordan. "Over the years, since the earthquake, it hasn't been too common to have a test at home.
"Being in your home comforts, and training at your homeground has been really cool. Just allows a few more friends and family to come down to the game as well.
"I know all the local boys, and everyone in the squad as well is really buzzing to be down here, it's been great.
"Cantabrians love their rugby, and they're right behind us."
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