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'He finds a way to do things' - All Blacks credit unsung hero Anton Lienert-Brown after Wallabies win

August 17, 2019

The centre was in fine form in the 36-0 win over the Wallabies.

All Blacks centre Anton Lienert-Brown came in for a special mention from assistant coach Ian Foster, following the 36-0 victory over the Wallabies at Eden Park.

With injuries to Ryan Crotty and Jack Goodhue, and with questions over the fitness of Sonny Bill Williams, Lienert-Brown has asserted himself as the All Blacks' go-to man in midfield so far this season, playing nearly every minute so far in 2019, only appearing from the bench in the 16-all draw with South Africa in Wellington.

Speaking to media after the Bledisloe Cup retaining vitory, Foster outlined his delight at the form of Lienert-Brown, with a looming selection battle ahead of this year's World Cup in Japan.

"[I'm] very pleased with him," Foster began.

"He's had a great year right through the year. He's a bit unorthodox, he doesn't run lines that everyone else runs, but he finds a way to do things.

"It's his workrate going back and forth in support that holds him in good stead.

"He's really benefited from a number of starts and a bit more game time, and shown that he's a quality player."

Lienert-Brown is currently vying with the likes of Crotty, Goodhue, Williams, Ngani Laumape and Braydon Ennor, with only four midfielders likely to make the cut for the All Blacks' World Cup squad.

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