Of all the figures to have played a part in Anton Lienert-Brown's career, it would be hard to find a bigger influence than former All Blacks and Black Ferns coach Wayne Smith.
As a teenage schoolboy standout in Christchurch, Lienert-Brown caught the eye of Smith playing for Christchurch Boys' High School, convincing the legendary coach to bring him north to Hamilton for Waikato and the Chiefs.
Since then, Smith's belief in Lienert-Brown has proven to be well-founded.
Debuting for the Chiefs as an 18-year-old, Lienert-Brown has so far notched 99 appearances for the club, to go with 59 All Blacks caps, earning the trust of both Sir Steve Hansen and Ian Foster as a midfield starter.
That number will become 100 on Friday, when the Chiefs travel to face the Highlanders in Dunedin.
But as his milestone approaches, the now-28-year-old looks back fondly on Smith's influence, never forgetting what he was taught by his mentor.
"I had a teacher at high school that told me, 'Do whatever Smithy says'," said Lienert-Brown. "So that's what I did.
"To be fair, when he was talking to me, I was pretty starstruck and could hardly hear what he was saying.
"Having that conversation with my teacher already won me over, and then obviously how he's looked after me throughout my career, and what he's done for me, I truly appreciate.
"Him telling me that he thinks I've got talent, and I'm a good footy player - I heard [coach Clayton McMillan] saying it before, I've never been the most talented bloke.
"For him to instil that belief in me was pretty special."
Aside from notching a century of appearances for the Chiefs, Friday will also see Lienert-Brown return to the side for the second time this year.
In the Chiefs' first game of the season, a 31-10 victory in Christchurch, Lienert-Brown picked up an ankle injury that's kept him sidelined since.
While he's been away, though, the Chiefs have comfortably proven to be the team to beat in 2023.
Clayton McMillan's side are top of the table, with nine wins out of nine, and odds-on to be the favourites heading to the pointy end of the season.
But for Lienert-Brown, while philosophical over his poor run of injuries - including a lengthy stint in 2022 as well - the excitement to return is palpable.
"The start of this year didn't go as planned," said Lienert-Brown. "But I'm just stoked [to be back].
"I just love playing rugby, I got to play some club rugby in the weekend, that was exciting as well. To put that Chiefs jersey back on again is awesome.
"It is frustrating, but it's all part of the journey. As a professional rugby player, there's uncontrollables in the game. Injuries are one of them.
"It hasn't been ideal, but it's all part of it. I've done all I can to get back to where I am now.
For McMillan, Lienert-Brown's return is a boost for the Chiefs' ranks, with his role in the side on and off the field a welcome influence heading towards Super Rugby's finals.
"He's been a real warrior," said McMillan. "He's had a few challenges with injuries over the last couple of years, but it never dampens his enthusiasm or the influence he has on this team.
"He really leads the way in terms of his work rate, passion and hopefully we do him justice this weekend with a performance that reflects the qualities he brings to our team."
