Video: Anton Lienert-Brown leaning on 'the process'

  • 25/08/2016
Video: Anton Lienert-Brown leaning on 'the process'

Newly named All Black Anton Lienert Brown may have just graduated to the highest echelon of world rugby but he won't be changing anything in his approach to Saturday's second Bledisloe Cup Test in Wellington.

The 21-year-old has made a rapid rise through the ranks to replace Ryan Crotty at second-five, and he's determined to stick to the formula which has seen him ascend from schoolboy star to the national side in just four years rather than become a victim of the moment.

"I'm trying to just to not get overwhelmed by the occasion," he said. "Just going back to my processes and trusting in that. What I've done throughout Super Rugby and bringing it here."

"I guess over these next couple of days it's about getting clear in my role, and that clarity will give me confidence in my game."

Lienert-Brown did admit to feeling the combination of anxious enthusiasm seen in so many debutants.

"Yeah, nervous and excited.

"It's obviously a step up [from Super Rugby], it's just those little things. Making sure I get those right, and getting those fine details for the game plan."

The Cantabrian was considered a bolter when named to the squad for the Rugby Championship, however it's clear that All Blacks head coach Steve Hansen has unwavering faith in his ability to take his game to the next level after an exceptional Super Rugby season with the Chiefs.

"He's been impressive from the time he's been here and we've got all the confidence in the world that he'll go out and do the job," noted Hansen.

Despite his side's ruthless dominance over the Wallabies in the first test, Hansen expects a motivated and dangerous Australian side to take the field in Wellington this weekend, and any hint of All Blacks complacency wouldn't be accepted.

"They've had a big week back over there with their own disappointment, plus the media and their own fans having a crack at them, so we'd be foolish to think they're going to turn up and not play well."

"It's about getting your feet back on the ground firmly and trying to not subconsciously relax, getting your bum from the back of the seat to the edge of it."

The positional swap with Ben Smith moving to fullback and Israel Dagg shifting out to the wing will have an experimental feel to it, Hansen eager to see what potential selection options may emerge from it.

"The way we play, all our back three are fullbacks anyway, and it's like playing three fullbacks.

"It may well also allow Ben [Smith] to come into the game a bit more if Australia are going to kick, which I think they will do a bit more."

Newshub.