ALB set a standard’
Anton Lienert-Brown certainly isn’t the first All Black out of Christchurch Boys’ High School and he won’t be the last.
The school is famous for producing All Blacks, particularly inside backs, and rugby master Mike Drury has seen a lot of them.
But in 2012, a young No 12 called Anton Lienert-Brown was catching his eye in the First XV, and not just for his work on the paddock.
‘‘He’d taken a real leadership role of sorts,’’ Drury tells Stuff. ‘‘His work ethic was beyond question.
‘‘Preparation wise, the work that he did after training set a standard for guys to follow in the years after.
‘‘He’s a reasonably quiet and reserved sort of fella but incredibly well liked. He was a guy who enjoyed a bit of fun but when it came to his rugby he was always very precise in terms of his preparation.’’
Fast forward seven years and Lienert-Brown is wearing the same number on his back but in a black jersey.
‘‘He knows what it’s like to be an All Black and how to perform,’’ All Blacks coach Steve Hansen said this week. ‘‘How to prepare and he’s in really good form – it was a nobrainer to pick him.’’
Lienert-Brown’s rise has been sharp this year but the link between his First XV and the All Blacks is evident. It’s his hard work. In that sense his selection against Ireland has been seven years in the making.
Lienert-Brown excelled for CBHS. The elusive running style that All Blacks fans have grown accustomed to was evident to Drury, who prefers him as a No 12 to the centre position.
The students who go through Christchurch Boys’ High School also get a daily reminder they can go a long way.
‘‘Our All Blacks honours takes pride of place down our main corridor of our school,’’ Drury says. ‘‘They walk past that board every day.’’
But it was 2012 that was the making of Lienert-Brown, because he had to get through some hard times with injury.
‘‘We thought in 2012 that Anton was absolute standout and we thought he’d go on to be at least at Super Rugby player,’’ Drury says.
‘‘Unfortunately for him in his last game of year against in the South Island final against Otago Boys his dislocated his shoulder.
‘‘He tore Otago Boys apart but in the process of scoring his second try he injured his shoulder, which ruined his chances for higher honours that year.
A lengthy period of rehab followed after the decision was made not to have surgery. By then, Lienert-Brown has been scooped up by Waikato (with the help of the Chiefs) and the shoulder went again early in his Mooloos career.
‘‘He’s had to go through a bit of adversity,’’ Drury says.
The fact he was in Hamilton in the first place still causes some grumbles in Christchurch. Drury points the finger at talent-spotting genius Wayne Smith, although he doesn’t hold it against him.
‘‘He was involved with the Chiefs at the time and obviously still had connections here [Christchurch]. He had spied Anton – he’d been along to some of the rugby – and obviously has a very educated eye.
‘‘I guess he got one up on Canterbury.’’
Drury has watched LienertBrown’s progress with great interest. Clearly, he hasn’t been surprised by his rise because all the foundations were there.
Drury credits Lienert-Brown’s parents for the encouragement and values they embedded in the midfielder and his brother, Highlanders prop Daniel.
And his association with the midfielder didn’t stop when he took his talents to the Chiefs.
‘‘He’s very humble,’’ Drury says. ‘‘I think that has been a hallmark of what I’ve seen of him since he has become an All Black.
‘‘He has been incredibly generous with his time for our school.
‘‘There’s been time when he has come back from rugby prizegivings, year 9 rugby camps to connect with those kids, which they’ve loved, he’s contributed to fundraisers.
‘‘He’s been magnificent guy for us.’’
The current Lienert-Brown will therefore inspire the next one. Since Lienert-Brown has left the school CBHS has already ushered through the likes of Will Jordan, who will be an All Black in coming years.
So goes the story of New Zealand rugby. One player makes it to the summit and then sets about helping the next guy up.
The All Blacks will win or lose a game on Saturday on Tokyo but that valued tradition won’t change.