For Western Force skipper Matt Hodgson, there’ll be more than just team glory on the line during Friday night’s crunch Super Rugby clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The fourth-placed Force are within striking distance of securing a maiden finals berth following last week’s fighting win over the Lions.
And a home final will be truly on the cards if they can upset the third-placed Crusaders in New Zealand for the first time.
In an interesting sub-plot, Hodgson’s Wallaby fate could rest on the result of his battle with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw.
Hodgson last played for the Wallabies in 2011, but his hot form this season won him selection in Australia’s 32-man squad for next month’s three-Test series against France.
Last year’s John Eales medallist Michael Hooper and Brumbies pilferer Scott Fardy are the early frontrunners to earn starting berths at flanker.
But if Hodgson can deliver a masterclass display against the renowned McCaw, it could be enough to squeeze him into the No.6 or No.7 jersey.
“There’s no doubt international selectors watch these sort of match-ups,” Force coach Michael Foley said on Thursday.
“Australia’s blessed with a number of very good number sevens. But Matt’s form this year probably puts him right at the top of the list.
“The way players match up in these sort of games definitely can influence those fine-line selections.”
The Force were dealt a major blow this week when in-form No.8 Ben McCalman was ruled out against the Crusaders due to a groin strain.
McCalman has carried the injury for several weeks, but the 26-year-old is expected to recover in time to take his place in the Wallabies’ side.
Force centre Marcel Brache (ankle) has also been sidelined, further depleting a backline already missing Kyle Godwin (groin), Luke Morahan (hamstring), Alby Mathewson (ankle) and Solomoni Rasolea (arm).
In contrast, the Crusaders have been bolstered by the return of skipper Kieran Read, who has missed the past six weeks with concussion and a bout of flu.
Friday’s match will be the Force’s third within 14 days – and all in different countries.
With sleeping patterns thrown out of whack, Foley wasn’t happy with the scheduling.
“It’s more than performance I’m concerned about. It’s welfare,” Foley said.
“I think the administrators of the game have got a duty to consider that as well.”