He might be softly spoken and quick to dodge the plaudits, but on Saturday night flanker Tanerau Latimer will be alone in the spotlight reaching 100 Super Rugby matches for the Chiefs.

Running out onto Waikato Stadium for his side's crucial clash with the Crusaders, Latimer takes his place among Chiefs' history – becoming the club's second centurion alongside close friend Liam Messam.

Chiefs flanker Tanerau Latimer. Photo: Tracy Hardy.

And after reaching the 100 Super Rugby milestone against the Stormers five weeks ago, Latimer gets a second chance to ride the emotional rollercoaster.

Debuting for the Crusaders back in 2006 against the Bulls, pinching five caps that year thanks to an injured Richie McCaw, the Te Puke product knows this match is going to be one he remembers fondly once his boots are hung up.

But in true Latimer style he's not getting ahead of himself and the momentous occasion, preferring to focus first and foremost on the match before a moment of quiet reflection.

'I have got to try and put that [the Chiefs' century] to the side and focus on the game. I know there will be a bit of build-up among the team, but hopefully it's put to the side and the boys play their game,” says Latimer.

'To crack the 100 with a polished performance will be bloody outstanding.”

The 27-year-old, with five All Blacks caps next to his name, admits it's fitting to play the Southern men who gave him his first Super Rugby opportunity before returning home the following year. He also lays claim to playing for the New Zealand Sevens team as a 17-year-old.

Going on to amass the 99 caps so far, Latimer's been a mainstay in the Chiefs make-up since 2007; and he's been pivotal in his rotational role with Sam Cane in the last few seasons, as the Chiefs marched towards back-to-back Super Rugby titles.

Looking back on his illustrious career path, Latimer is fully appreciative of his Bay of Plenty background and the successful steps he's taken in top-flight rugby – something he admits to not believing would happen when he first started.

'No not at all. But that's the path that rugby has taken me down and the Chiefs have provided me with the opportunity – and I'm forever grateful.”

Now all he needs is this weekend's match to end on a winning note.