An inspiring moment which happened 10 years ago will guide Richie Mo’unga in the Super Rugby final against the Lions in Christchurch tomorrow.
Ten years ago Mo'unga was a fan watching in the stands as a star‑studded red‑and‑black machine outgunned the Waratahs 20‑12.
It was that same night when Mo'unga posed with Dan Carter post‑match for an image the Crusaders have shared on their Facebook page.
Tomorrow, he hopes to emulate his hero, All Black great Dan Carter.
Mo’unga says it is a vivid memory of his and from that day he has always wanted to be part of a final at home.
At the time the 14‑year‑old Mo'unga would have been at Riccarton High School.
Five years later he made his debut for Canterbury.
Kieran Read is the only current member of the Crusaders squad for Saturday's game against the Lions who played in that 2008 final.
Wyatt Crockett also started but was left out of the match‑day 23 yesterday by Scott Robertson. Tim Bateman, who has played several games for the Crusaders this year also started 10 years ago.
The Crusaders will meet the Lions in the Super Rugby final at 7.35pm tomorrow.

