The All Blacks first five Dan Carter concedes the prospect of his last rugby match for the Crusaders in Christchurch is an emotional one.
The Crusaders play the Queensland Reds in Christchurch on Friday night and given their current form are struggling to make the Super rugby play-offs.
Carter, who's into his 13th season with Canterbury and the Crusaders, is not alone, with Richie McCaw, if he's cleared of his concussion, Colin Slade and Tom Taylor all set to play their final Crusaders game.
Dan Carter is set to don the Crusaders jersey and turn out in front of a home town Christchurch crowd for the last time. Photo: Photosport
Carter said he vividly remembered his Crusaders debut against the Hurricanes in 2003.
"It was a challenging one because I was starting ahead of an absolutely loved Cantabrian in Andrew Merhtens and there was a bit of an uproar about me starting ahead of him," he said.
"Luckily he managed to come on that game and relieve a bit of pressure... I was pretty nervous (but) that game went pretty well and I remember it fondly."
Canterbury's Andrew Merhtens and Daniel Carter after the 2004 NPC Final. Photo: Photosport
Carter said he also tends to reminisce more when he drives past the earthquake-damaged Lancaster Park.
"The old stadium has a bit of an eerie feeling. There's just so many good memories at that stadium but you've just got to move on.
"We've got an amazing stadium with the new AMI stadium and an amazing atmosphere, so that's our home for now and the guys absolutely love playing there."
It may not be Carter's last game in Christchurch though as the All Blacks play Argentina at AMI Stadium on 17 July.
