Super Rugby
Tanerau Latimer prepares to play 100th match
ESPN Staff
March 11, 2014
Tanerau Latimer (right) has been a key man in the Chiefs' success © Getty Images
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Liam Messam has paid tribute to Tanerau Latimer ahead of the back-rower's 100th Super Rugby appearance, saying his Chiefs team-mate is "pretty much the heart and soul of the team".

Latimer will achieve his personal milestone when the Chiefs host the Stormers at Waikato Stadium in Hamilton on Saturday, and he and his team-mates are sure to celebrate again when he brings up his century for the Chiefs after another five appearances. Latimer won his first five caps playing for the Crusaders eight seasons ago, but he is "Chiefs" through and through.

"He means a lot to us," Messam told Fairfax Media in New Zealand. "He's pretty much the heart and soul of the team, and he puts his body on the line week-in, week-out and you know exactly what you're going to get from him. He's not into the flashy things but he does all the hard grind, all that tough stuff they're looking for in a leader like Lats."

Chiefs coach Dave Rennie is equally effusive in his praise of Latimer.

"For anyone who knows him he is a terrific man," Rennie said. "He's very proud of the jersey and he plays like it every time. He's just incredibly persistent, very passionate about this team, a very strong leader prepared to challenge others and be demanding.

"It's neat that he will have played 100 and obviously we'll probably celebrate a little harder when he's played a hundred for the Chiefs, which is in five more games. But it's a hell of a feat for him and hopefully we get a big crowd along to cheer him on."

Latimer, meanwhile, said that his journey with the Chiefs had been special because of the number of players who had been alongside him all the way through. And he paid tribute to his good friend Liam Messam. "I was there for his 100th Super game and it was special so it will be very pleasing to get it myself."

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