Former All Blacks selector Gordon Hunter lives in Dunedin and has coached Otago, but in his heart he will be backing the Blues to win the Super 12 rugby match at Carisbrook tonight.
Hunter, aged 51, has coached the Highlanders and the Blues, but his most recent involvement was with the Blues before he was forced to withdraw from the job because of cancer, having played a big role in selecting and the pre-season planning and preparation.
While he would like to remain neutral as he sits in the Carisbrook grandstand, Hunter's emotions will be linked to the Blues.
"I did so much work in selecting the Blues squad and it would be unrealistic not to hope that the combinations I created will be successful," he said.
Hunter worked closely with Blues coach Frank Oliver during last year's Super 12 and the pair selected this year's Blues squad.
"I admire Frank Oliver's technical skills and hold him in high regard," Hunter said.
Despite his intense interest, Hunter will resist the temptation to contact the Blues before the game in Dunedin.
"I respect that environment and know that I shouldn't be there," he said.
"I don't want to impose myself."
Hunter said that the team which showed the most respect for themselves and their coaches would win.
"It depends on how serious the respect is with the individual players," he said.
"The key word in my book is respect ...
"The Blues are coming to Carisbrook and must respect the environment."
- NZPA
New Zealand's Super 12 squads
2001 Super 12 schedule/scoreboard
Hunter's heart will be with the Blues
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