As he moves closer to becoming the most-capped All Black in history, Sam Whitelock insists he isn't paying any notice of the great Richie McCaw's record of 148 tests.
Saturday's test will be Whitelock's 140th as an All Black, moving him to within eight of equalling the famous captain's mark.
Should Whitelock play in every upcoming test on the annual year-end tour to Europe, he'll finish 2022 with 144 appearances to move to the brink of becoming the most capped All Black ever, as Ian Foster's side bid to win a fourth Rugby World Cup next year.
As far as international standings go, both McCaw and Whitelock sit behind the all-time record, belonging to Wales' Alun Wyn Jones with a huge 165 caps to his name.
On Saturday, Whitelock will overtake Australia's George Gregan into the outright fifth most-capped player ever, one behind Ireland's Brian O'Driscoll (141).
But for now, Whitelock's focus is only on Australia at Eden Park, where he'll also shoulder the added responsibility of being captain, after Sam Cane failed a head injury assessment (HIA) in Melbourne last week.
But for the 33-year-old, any individual accolade takes a back seat to the needs of the team.
"You've just got to deal with the week in front, which is what I'm trying to do this week," said Whitelock.
"I think if you start counting tests, you get yourself into trouble. For myself and for everyone in the squad, you've got to perform this week and then deal with the week after.
"I know that's an old cliche, but it definitely comes true at the moment."
Saturday's test also comes with the added incentive of giving the All Blacks the opportunity to defend their Rugby Championship title.
The All Blacks and South Africa are level on points heading into the final fixtures this weekend, with three wins, two losses and two bonus points apiece.
Only points differential separates the All Blacks and Springboks, with the trophy to be decided this weekend.
Although, as is the case with his own personal milestones, Whitelock says the All Blacks can't look far ahead.
"You could fall into that trap pretty quick," he added. "We've got to go out there and deal with what's in front [of us].
"We've got to go out there and play Australia, at home, in a massive game.
"As the game unfolds, I'm sure there'll be some messages coming down if we need that.
"If we don't, there won't be."
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