One step closer to his All Blacks' debut, Steven Luatua's rapid progress could take another giant leap this week.

Luatua has been the heart of the Blues' rebuild program and he sees no better way to test himself than against the world's best at AMI Stadium.

Blindside flanker he may be, but if the 22 year old is to deliver confirmation he is ready to step up to the next level, he needs to bring the same physicality Kieren Read demonstrates every week from No 8.

The Blues will play the Crusaders at 7.35pm Saturday.

Story by: Aliki Bia