There’s only one king.

Former Ireland and Munster playmaker Ronan O’Gara is set to come up against two-time World Player of the Year Beauden Barrett for the first time this weekend.

But unfortunately O’Gara won’t be lacing up his boots. The Irishman will be coming up against the All Blacks playmaker as a coach, with his Crusaders side set to take on the Hurricanes in a huge New Zealand derby.

Instead it will be young outhalf Mitchell Hunt who will wear ten for the reigning Super Rugby champions this weekend. Hunt is set to fill the void left by Richie Mo’unga, who is sidelined with a broken jaw.

O’Gara says it’s a huge opportunity for him.

“I would say enjoy it,” O’Gara told Stuff.

“It’s an opportunity, he knows that he can do it and he’s delivered for his team-mates before and they have huge confidence in him.

“So, listen, it’s 80 minutes. It’s not Mitch Hunt against Beauden Barrett, but it’s a chance for him to enjoy it and express himself. That’s why as a kid you play rugby.”

O’Gara was also asked about Barrett, who he obviously rates very highly. But how does he fair against another All Blacks legend in Dan Carter? O’Gara says Barrett hasn’t quite reached his level yet, but he’s on the right path.

“He fills grounds, he excites people. Everything that is good about rugby, is what Beauden Barrett does,” O’Gara acknowledged. “He is an exceptional talent, he has probably nearly redefined No. 10 play.

“I think Dan (Carter) was, and still is probably, the best No. 10 in the world over all the decades. But Beauden Barrett is very exciting and potentially going to challenge him for that title.”