Anton Lienert-Brown: All Blacks centre set to return from a lengthy injury lay-off

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All Blacks centre Anton Leinert-Brown is set to make a long-awaited return from injury this weekend for Waikato in the NPC quarter-finals.

Lienert-Brown has been sidelined since April with a shoulder injury which saw him miss the entire Rugby Championship.

Nerves

The centre admits he is nervous about his return after the extended lay-off but is raring to go again and push for All Blacks selection.

“A little bit nervous, but very excited,” Lienert-Brown told Stuff.

“This week’s certainly felt a little bit different, it’s just nice knowing that you’re going to do training during the week and you’re going to have that prize of the game at the end.”

The All Black understands nerves are part of returning from an injury, given the nature of contact in rugby but trusts his rehabilitation and preparation for his return.

“Nerves are part of being human,” he said.

“But I’ve got plenty of training under my belt, so much contact in the last month, so I’ve prepared as well as I can, and I’ve just got to trust in that.

“It gives me confidence that I’ve tackled some of the biggest boys in the team, so I should be able to handle whatever comes at me now, fingers crossed.”

Versatility key

Given the injury to Quinn Tupaea, there is a chance Lienert-Brown could receive an immediate call-up because of his experience for New Zealand. However, the 27-year-old just wants to play well, as he knows his versatility between 12 and 13 is an asset.

“I guess I’ll find out Sunday how everything pans out,” he said. “What I got told was try get back for NPC, it’ll give you your best chance to make that tour.”

“Jordie played extremely well, Rieko’s [Ioane] been playing well at centre, and obviously Davey’s [Havili] played a lot of 12 as well and RTS [Roger Tuivasa-Sheck] has had a couple of cameos off the bench.

“It doesn’t bother me whether I play 12 or 13. To be able to play both positions well, I see that as a strength.

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“At the end of the day, selection isn’t in my control, what’s in my control is coming back, playing well and forcing their hand.”