Waratahs centre Tom Carter has something that is becoming increasingly rare in rugby, a university degree. Now he aims to graduate with distinction against the Stormers at Newlands on Saturday in a clash he describes as the "biggest test of my career".
Carter, 25, and his midfield partner, Rob Horne, still only 18, are on their first trip to South Africa and Saturday's critical group phase clash will be their first against the Springbok duo of Jean de Villiers and Gcobani Bobo.
At age 27, with 33 Test caps and 42 Super 14 battles in his log book, Stormers captain De Villiers did not need to be reminded on Wednesday that the quickest way for any tyro to make a name for himself was to knock over a big-name player such as himself.
Carter, an environmental science graduate, can take it as a compliment that in all 11 Super 14 matches he has played, De Villiers has taken note of his performance and that of his teenage partner.
"Carter is a solid player who defends well and gives them plenty of go-forward," said De Villiers. "And Horne is an exciting young player who runs good lines and has plenty of pace. I don't believe his age is a factor, we judge each player on their quality," he said.
Then came the reminder, a warning to both Australian rookies that they will be facing a seasoned Springbok combination in the form of their lives who have no intention of being humbled before 45 000 fans.
"As a midfield combination we've dealt with a number of challenges this season, and we're looking forward to the new challenge this Saturday.
"Obviously that is where experience comes in and hopefully we can benefit from it. It goes both ways, though: the youngster can shy away or use the opportunity to the benefit of the team. It will be a challenge, but I will never underestimate any opponent and in every game I try to be better than the opposition," added De Villiers.
Carter should have made his debut two years ago, but persistent ankle injuries delayed that until the start of the season. Since then his strong running and attacking instincts have seen him playing in all 11 games for the Waratahs this season and he has squared up against some big names.
"I've heard that Newlands is one of the best stadiums in the world with an electric atmosphere of a full house and a pretty incredible place to play. This is a pretty big game for both teams.
"Phil Waugh and Dan Vickerman have told us newcomers what to expect and the message is loud and hostile. I can't wait," said Carter.
Carter's form this season has earned him a two-year contract extension with the Waratahs and he said of the experience: "I've been really fortunate to be given an opportunity to play for such a great team with exciting backs and world-class forwards and I am grateful to be a part of the side.
"It was a dream of mine growing up to play Super rugby. Although I was part of the squad in the past few years, I had a few injuries and had to wait a long time. Now it's just a beautiful feeling."
Carter had little hesitation describing De Villiers and Bobo as "world-class players".
"De Villiers has been incredible this season. With Bobo as a centre partnership they are the form midfielders of the competition. For me, it is a big challenge and a great learning experience.
"You've got to be on top of your game to compete against guys like that. But it is also important to realise they are the sums of the parts of an entire backline.
"Peter Grant and (Conrad) Jantjes are in the form of their lives as well. Our job is to compete against them and it is important that we don't just look at Jean and Gcobani as a centre pairing, but as part of a backline."
Stormers coach Rassie Erasmus announced an unchanged line-up from the team that beat the Brumbies last weekend, but the Waratahs have injury concerns in their front row and Ewen McKenzie has delayed naming his side until this afternoon.
Lote Tuqiri may start at fullback as part of a back-line reshuffle that would put Sam Norton-Knight on the bench. Tuqiri ran at fullback at training, with Norton-Knight in the reserves. "It is one of our options. It is just an idea. He covers the position a little bit," McKenzie said.