New Zealand first five eighth Dan Carter has vowed to give northern hemisphere fans a taste of what is to come in this year's Rugby World Cup when he turns out at Twickenham on Monday morning (NZT).

Carter's Super 15 franchise, the Crusaders, will play South Africa's Sharks in London as their home ground was damaged by the Christchurch earthquake a month ago.

Around 55,000 fans are expected to turn up at England's headquarters with a portion of the ticket price being donated to the relief fund.

And Carter, who had a short spell in Europe with Perpignan in 2008, is expecting supporters north of the equator to enjoy the running rugby on show.

The Crusaders/Sharks match kicks off 3am Monday.

Meanwhile, from warming the bench for Hawkes Bay in rugby's national provincial championship to Super 15 starter for the Hurricanes, and supplanting an All Black in the process, it has been a topsy-turvy six months for first five eighths Daniel Kirkpatrick.

Retained as pivot by Hurricanes coach Mark Hammett for tonight’s match against the Rebels ahead of six test All Black Aaron Cruden, the 22 year old is anxious to back up an assured display in the 44-17 defeat by the Blues with another strong performance in Melbourne.

In the only game tonight, the Hurricanes take on the Rebels at 8:40pm.

Story by: Dreu Vukailagi