Robbie Fruean a 104kg centre menace

It seems that the famed Crusaders environment is shining another diamond in the rough, with new centre Robbie Fruean shining as the red and blacks boast yet another attacking dimension in their already impressive arsenal.

Fruean played only one Rebel Sport Super 14 match for the Hurricanes last year, but despite his lack of experience in the tournament, the 21 year old has an impressive rugby resume.

The winner of the International Rugby Board's (IRB) U19 player of the year in 2007, Fruean was an integral member of the New Zealand juniors set up, before having to undergo open heart surgery to repair a case of pancarditis, a life-threatening inflammation of the heart.

While the young midfielder was highly thought of in New Zealand circles, he had still to make a mark on the big stage, but it seems as if the big man is an able replacement for departed All Black centre Casey Laulala.

His try against the Blues, where he smashed past Stephen Brett and scythed through the defensive cover - showcased his power, speed and potential.

Afterwards Brett was worse for wear, after getting flattened by the midfield freight train.

"We set up a scenario that we wanted to go with and I just had to make sure I carried [the ball] strong, the gap just opened up and I took it," Fruean told The Press.

"If it wasn't for Zac [Guildford] coming around, it would not have opened up. I was just trying to go through our game plan and what we anticipated for that situation."

"I am definitely feeling more confident and you can't ask for a better forward pack, you know. I am just trying to do my job and take it day by day. I'm playing outside one of the greatest first-fives [Dan Carter] and I have got pace outside."

This week he faces a litmus test of his development so far, coming up against Richard Kahui and a Chiefs team that will have a point to prove.