Century for Mealamu
Tue, 16 Mar 2010 11:18
Blues head coach Pat Lam says he cannot think of a better player to become the Blues' first Super Rugby centurion than Keven Mealamu.
The All Black hooker will play his 100th game for his franchise against the Brumbies at Eden Park on Friday.
Mealamu will in fact be playing his 111th Super game, having made 11 appearances for the Chiefs as a draft player in 2002, but he will be the first to wear the Blues jersey 100 times, having already overtaken Doug Howlett (97 caps) and Carlos Spencer (96).
Lam had high praise for his skipper.
"It's huge," Lam told Stuff.co.nz of Mealamu's pending achievement.
"The Blues are special to him. He's bred here. He's the leader because he leads by example and I think this year he has really grown his captaincy and his leadership of the team.
"I'm sure the boys will want to have a big one for him and more importantly I think Kevy will want to have a big one on this game."
Mealamu made his All Black Test debut against Wales in 2002, accumulating 71 caps and had the honour of captaining New Zealand against Scotland on their 2008 Grand Slam tour.
According to Stuff, Lam had a simple theory on the longevity of Mealamu, who turns 31 on Saturday.
"He's a professional. Shucks, he does the work on and off the field. He's meticulous with his preparation.
"He had a long period out with his (chest) injury last year. They predicted six months and I think he came back in four and a half. That's Kevy - it didn't surprise me because he does the work and does what he is told."
Mealamu has won one Super Rugby title with the Blues, being part of the Super 12 champion 2003 team.
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