Keven Mealamu tiptoed into his parents' house through the back door. He did not want any fuss. After the obvious warmth of greetings from his parents Luka and Tilse, the All Black hooker slipped into the mainstream conversation.
He was about to play his 100th test for the All Blacksbut Mealamu was a man amongst equals with his family, relations or friends. He is like that in most walks of life too.
Mealamu is modest, deflecting attention and a man of christian principles yet when he pulls on any rugby jersey bearing the No 2, he turns into a bucket of aggression.
He's had skirmishes with Brian O'Driscoll, Brendan Cannon and Lewis Moody which have brought criticism and bans but he shrugs and talks about defending his line and playing hard.
Mealamu's rugby career is a remarkable tale of a young man who represented NZ as a flanker at age-group, turned to hooker, was rejected in the early days of Super rugby and has stockpiled 110 All Black tests, more than 150 Super games and 64 for Auckland.
And he wants a lot more. His love of rugby and self-belief is unwavering. The World Cup in 2015 is squarely in his eyeline.
"The more you train, the more belief you have. What I get to do is pretty special. I get to do rugby where other people have to get up early, go to work and come back late in the evening. Rugby is just so enjoyable - and it looks after my family and me. I love it," he said.
He has captained the All Blacks in two tests and his supporters have loved following Mealamu, watching those piston-legs dance their way through defences, smacking over rivals and delivering his knowledge at setpiece.
Statistics Date of birth: 20 March 1979 Position: Hooker Test debut: 23 November 2002 v Wales at Cardiff Matches: 111 Tests: 110 Province: Auckland Franchise: Blues Test tries: 12 Test points: 60
