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'I don't want to get too ahead of myself' – Anton Lienert-Brown staying grounded despite stellar 2019 form

October 14, 2019

The midfielder has been among the best on display at this year's World Cup.

Amid easily his best season as a professional rugby player, Anton Lienert-Brown says he's not getting carried away with his on-field success.

With a series of strong performances for both the Chiefs at Super Rugby level, and the All Blacks in the Test arena, Lienert-Brown has established himself as one of the first names on Steve Hansen's team sheet.

The midfielder's performance against Namibia was one to remember, named man of the match after two tries, an assist, 103 running metres, four line-breaks and 10 tackles.

Lienert-Brown is all but guaranteed a spot in the All Blacks' side to face Ireland in this weekend's Rugby World Cup quarter-final, fronting media this afternoon in Tokyo.

Asked about any possible reason behind his newfound consistency, Lienert-Brown put it down to nailing the basics.

The All Blacks midfielder shone in the 71-9 victory in Tokyo.

"I've spoken all year about creating a really strong process," Lienert-Brown began.

"That's what I trust in every week. I try to do my work during the week so I can go out there during the weekend. I guess doing that hard work during the week is earning the right to go out and play rugby.

"I've learned a lot of things through the year, but it's been nice to gain the confidence to go out there and trust in my ability fully, I think that's what I'm sort of doing at the moment.

"I don't want to get too ahead of myself. Every week is different, and every week I've got to earn the right.

"This week's about Ireland, if I trust the process again do that hard work, hopefully that results in a good performance."

The All Blacks side to face Ireland will be named on Thursday afternoon NZT.

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