Scotland-born All Blacks halfback Finlay Christie relishes the opportunity to play his country of birth at Murrayfield on Monday (NZ Time).
Born in Peebles, just an hour south of the ground and home of Scottish rugby, Christie looks forward to realising his parents' dream.
He moved to Pukekohe with his family as a seven-year-old, before attending Saint Kentigern College and rising up the rugby ranks within New Zealand.
After previously playing for the Chiefs and Hurricanes in Super Rugby, he has made a name for himself at the Blues, making his All Blacks debut in 2021.
But Christie has revealed his career path could have been very different, after previously being approached by Scotland to represent his country of birth.
Instead, he will run onto Murrayfield with the fern - and not a thistle - on his chest, in front of his family and friends.
"It was sort of through COVID, so things didn't really work out, but happy where I stayed," said Christise. "It's gone pretty well so far.
"It's been on the bucket list for a wee while to play at Murrayfield. I'll say it will be more special for the parents, but I'm looking forward to it.
"[Parents] are really stoked, they'll be along at the game, they'll be happy. I think they will be happy either way, so a win/win for them."
Christie hasn't been back to Scotland since he was a teenager, but admits his roots are still deeply embedded, with his parents' accents an easy reminder of where he's from.
"I think they do - definitely to Kiwis anyway," he said. "They always seem to think they do and I can't remember, but I'm pretty sure me and my brother are both named after Scottish rugby players.
"It's been just over 10 years since I've been back. I came back a few times when I was still at school, but since then, haven't been back.
"No standouts, but I've watched a few. Obviously, it's tough over in New Zealand with the 3am kickoffs, but I have always paid attention to results."
All Blacks coach Ian Foster has heaped praise on Christie before his homecoming test at Murrayfield and knows he will repay the faith the selectors have shown in him.
"Well, we've got one and you've got about 50, but we quite like our one, so appreciate the donation," Foster joked.
"He's a quality man, he's proud of his background up here… he's made the move as a family, but look, he's a quality person.
"He's played his way into this squad through some really good form and the fact we named him in a starting position is a sign of our confidence in him."
