A relaxed Liam Messam is set to become the eighth man in Super Rugby history to play 150 matches when he takes to the field for the Chiefs this weekend.
Veteran flanker Messam says raising the milestone in Saturday’s clash against the Bulls in Hamilton is yet to get his pulse racing.
“I haven’t thought about it, because it’s just another day at the office where you prepare to play and win,” he said.
Messam has signed a two-year contract with the franchise, extending a relationship which began in 2006.
The 32-year-old remains coy about surpassing the all-time record currently held by Blues great Keven Mealamu (175), which is poised to be passed by Crusaders prop Wyatt Crockett.
“I’ll see what happens. I’ve just been really blessed and lucky enough to get this far in my career” Messam said.
Messam said a successful career which has spanned 43 All Blacks Tests and features two Commonwealth Games gold medals could be attributed to the enjoyment gained from playing for the Chiefs.
A desire to always get better drives the Waikato-based side, who have won their first four games of 2017.
“There is an awesome vibe at the moment as we have a good team culture going on,” he said.
“I think the most pleasing thing is that we’re disappointed about our performances.
“We have had four wins but still not to the standard we want to be setting ourselves as we strive to get better.”
Chiefs coach Dave Rennie says Messam’s aura is immeasurable for team-mates who can only benefit from his presence.
“Young guys in the room just gasp every time we name our team when they hear how many caps he’s got,” Rennie said.
“You don’t have to say as much when Liam’s around – we have two captains but he knows when to chip in and guys stand up and listen.
“It’s a great achievement. He’s a passionate Chiefs man, respected by his team mates and fans so we need to put in a performance that’s worthy of that.”
Atlas
Roar Rookie
Ben Lam - playing club rugby for Tawa, not with Hurricanes squad. Maybe has to prove fitness? Scored a try in opening round on 18th March.
cuw
Guest
the problem with chiefs i find is that they have oldies or foreigners in their pack , without whom they tend to suffer. they play leitch at 8 and when he got injured last season they went backwards coz there was no real 8 to back him up and leitch is an almost world class 8 (not in Read / parrisse class but better than those in auzzy or south africa). i would rather Seu plays at 6 and messam off the bench. I would rather have a new 8 and Leitch off the bench. nz have no 8s of Read class atm. the closest option is Luke whitelock but he does not even figure with all blacks. Squire while a good 6 is not the all action 8 of modern era. sadly Luatua will leave now ; he could have become a really good 8 with the skills but for some reason has not gone into next gear. how many in the rugger world can throw the rugger ball like he NFL ball?? am sure there may be only a handful.
ClarkeG
Guest
Speaking of Lam he must be injured. I have not spotted him at the Hurricanes yet. You're probably right that Messam won't play for the ABs again but contracting himself to the 7s programme, even if that was his wish, would probably prevent him toddling off to Japan for another stint.
cuw
Guest
he was stand by and the coach made some interesting calls at Olympics - which backfired and sort of created mutiny in the camp. Baker was one of the most obvious - he even publicly called it ... ur correct about lack of speed - since they lost both ben Lam and Bryce Heem - and not doing enuf to keep guys like Reiko Ioane in the mix for a longer time. also losing Savea was not ideal. in fact what they lack is size and speed - which Lam and Heem , both 100kg boys - provided. Now they have tweeners - who have some pace and size but not that extra bit to be game changers. Messam would have been good for 7S becoz of his age. it is most likely he may not play for all blacks again. But he can definitely add something to the 7S team as a forward. though people marvel at the success of NZ rugger management, it is clear they have no clear plan for 7S .
ClarkeG
Guest
Messam's presence wouldn't hurt but I don't necessarily agree that they need him. Not convinced he would make any difference. But didn't he try the 7s last year and was not selected for the Olympics. They still have enough experience there but compared to the other consistently competitive sides they just don't have adequate speed. What I mean is that they don't really have a player that can frighten the defence with sheer speed. Mikkelson is really the only one presently that you would expect to run in a try from long range having broken the defence. They also need to make an adjustment with how they are taking the ball into contact because for whatever reason they are on the wrong side of the referees and are consistently incurring penalties for not releasing the ball.
cuw
Guest
he shud have stayed with 7s. NZ 7s team needs an experienced head like Messam now more than ever. Chiefs have enuf flanks :)
Crash Ball2
Guest
Gutsy, talented loosie who just happens to have played the bulk of his career in the shadow of several AB backrow greats. Congratulations Liam.
Old Bugger
Guest
A passionate player, who has earned the respect of his team-mates and fans......Couldn't agree more. Well done Messa and, all the best, for the rest of your season. Now, just to the small matter of bringing home, the silverware mate.......