As the Blues await their next surge in fan enthusiasm – the appearance of former All Black Dan Carter in their playing roster – a former Welsh and British & Irish Lions Test player, Shane Williams, recalled the impact Carter had on the Lions in 2005.
While Carter was 38, his return to play was a case of not being able to keep a good man down, Williams said in his Rugby Paper column.
"His return has promoted a lot of debate about whether he will still be able to play at the same level given his advancing age. Some say he could play on till he's 40, others think it is just a publicity stunt.
"Whatever it is, I can't wait to see him in action again," he said.
That is in spite of one of the more memorable experiences of Williams' career.
"I played against him a number of times and I still have nightmares about the way in which he completely spoiled my Test debut for the Lions in 2005.
"I wasn't selected for the first Test but got given the nod for the next game in Wellington.
"What he did to us there has never left me – it was a one-man demolition job!
"We went 7-0 up with a try after only two minutes and we were full of hope. By the end of the game, Carter had put the boot into us and scored a record 33 points in a 48-18 victory.
"I've never seen one player so totally dominate a game. Everything he touched turned to gold – he handed off our most physical forwards, outclassed all of our backs and kicked with unerring accuracy. That's what he was capable of in his prime and on that day he was simply unplayable," Williams said.
A player's ability to extend his career depended on the injuries suffered during the years but, at the same time, a big part of still being able to compete at the top came down to mentality, he said.
Williams wasn't surprised to learn that during his time in France and Japan, Carter's approach to preparation had been the same as when he played for the All Blacks.
"That doesn't surprise me at all given the way he has always approached the game. He always believed he was the best player in the world," he said.
Williams said his experience of getting older had seen the edge disappear from his game.
"When you get to that stage you have to use your experience and game craft to give you an edge. Carter won't have any problem in that department. He has always been a master tactician. His kicking is superb, he has a devastating hand-off and cannot only sniff out a gap for himself but put players into space."