Crotty set to face an old friend

RYAN CROTTY is relishing the prospect of renewing an old rivalry on Saturday.

With Robbie Henshaw ruled out for Ireland, the All Blacks centre looks certain to come up against Bundee Aki – having faced him at Super Rugby level.

The duo collided in the semi-finals of that competition four years ago, when Aki was still with the Chiefs before his move to Connacht and Crotty was with Crusaders.

“It’s awesome to see him going so well over here,” said Crotty. “He was a great player back then and he’s come on leaps and bounds since he came over here. It’s cool to see him getting his opportunity.

“It’s a great challenge. Whoever gets to play against them, we’ll be blinking excited for.

“They’ve got class players right throughout their back-line. They’re playing great at the moment. Whoever pulls on HURLER Crotty at AIG Skills challenge in Dublin last night 12 and 13 we’ll have to prepare pretty diligently.”

Crotty’s name will resonate with Ireland fans – he’s the man who scored the last minute converted try at Lansdowne Road in 2013 to deny Ireland a first-ever victory over the All Blacks.

“I remember Dane

(Coles) did all the work and I didn’t have to do anything, and since then I’ve had to apologise to every Irishman I’ve met since,” laughed the 28-year-old, recalling what was his first All Black try.

Crotty’s backs coach at his club is none other than Ronan O’gara and the Corkman made a big impact in his first season with the Crusaders as they retained the Super Rugby title.

“He’s a pretty passionate Irishman, isn’t he,” said Crotty. “It would be nice to get the job done so we don’t have to hear from him too much! He tells me all I need to know (about European rugby).”