Blues look to celebrate Mealamu's century

BY DUNCAN JOHNSTONE

Pat Lam can't think of a better player to become the Blues' first centurion than Keven Mealamu.

The All Blacks hooker will raise his century for his franchise on Friday night against the Brumbies at Eden Park.

Mealamu has already reached the magic three figures in Super Rugby, having accumulated 11 appearances for the Chiefs in his stint there as a draft player in 2002.

But he will be the first to wear the Blues jersey 100 times, having already sneaked past the records of Doug Howlett (97) and Carlos Spencer (96) this year.

Lam had high praise for his skipper as he gets set to name his side on Wednesday morning for a match that is crucial to the Blues' current campaign.

"It's huge," Lam said of Mealamu's looming 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 has been an All Black since 2002, accumulating 71 tests and has the honour of captaining New Zealand against Scotland during their 2008 Grand Slam tour.

Lam had a simple theory on the longevity of the 30-year-old Mealamu.

"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 champion 2003 side.

- © Fairfax NZ News