Former St Andrew's College's First XV coach Mike Johnston is confident Richie Mo'unga is ready for the challenge of the All Blacks starting line up.
Mo'unga has been named as the All Blacks starting No. 10 for Saturday's game against Argentina in Nelson.
Johnston coached Mo'unga when he attended the college and said whilst there would be immense pressure, Mo'unga was ready to step up.
"He's one's of these players that does seem to have time when he does have the ball and he's got great vision."
Johnston said Mo'unga had been a driving force behind the Crusaders' Super Rugby championship victory earlier this year.
"For me it's great that Richie's actually got a start, he's sort of done his time and he's proved he is capable of playing that level."
Mo'unga's final year at St Andrew's College was in 2012.
"I'm sure he'll be calm and play very well," Johnston said.