KEY POINTS:
The last time Greg Rawlinson stepped on to a rugby field it was to do the haka in front of more than 50,000 rabid Springbok fans in his native Durban.
It's fair to say this afternoon's Ranfurly Shield defence against Horowhenua-Kapiti may lack the intensity and emotion of
that occasion. But, regardless of the game's stature, Rawlinson, in his swansong season with North Harbour after agreeing to a three-year deal with Worcester in the English premiership, will be out to do what he always does: his job.
The perceived wisdom on Rawlinson is that, after originally missing out on All Black selection despite a stellar Super 14 campaign for the Blues, he pretty much decided to take his bat home and turn his back on New Zealand rugby.
One of professional rugby's true nomads, Rawlinson insists his decision to pack his bags was taken well before Graham Henry announced his first All Black squad of the year. He isn't leaving in bitterness, it's just time for a change.
"I arrived here in 2002 to play with Bay of Plenty and I was really stoked just to be playing NPC," he said.
"When I look back, to have got an All Black jersey has been a big thing for me. I don't think I'll ever look back with any regrets.
"I'd always known that I'd be leaving at the end of the year. I hadn't signed anything but it was in the pipeline."
Last month's unexpected call-up to face South Africa in his home town in what seems certain to be his fourth and final test was really just a bonus. Having dreamed as a kid of running out on Kings Park to play test rugby - albeit for the Springboks - the burly lock at least got to partially live the dream.
"It was probably the last game I'll get to play over there so it was a really big occasion for me. It was a nice way to finish off.
"It was quite funny how everything panned out. I suppose that's professional rugby, you've got to go where the opportunities are, which is what I did."
It's also what he's doing next, heading to perennial battlers Worcester to play under former Wales coach Mike Ruddock and alongside Rico Gear and Sam Tuitupou.
Given that he'll be 31 when he finishes his Worcester contract, it's unlikely opportunity will bring Rawlinson back to New Zealand to play. The physical demands of the English game make a comeback similar to that of Troy Flavell improbable, at best, he said.
Although he admitted the imminent move to England was lurking in the back of his mind, Rawlinson said he was doing his best to finish his Harbour career on a high note.
Harbour will field a strong lineup against the minnows from the lower North Island, with Anthony Tuitavake and Rudi Wulf paired in midfield and speedster Viliame Waqaseaduadua set to start on the wing.