Codie Taylor of the All Blacks Photo: JAMES GOURLEY / PHOTOSPORT
It has been a week of reflection for All Blacks hooker Codie Taylor.
The 34-year-old will this weekend play his 100th Test as New Zealand take on Argentina in the second Rugby Championship game in Buenos Aires.
He isn't the only player celebrating this week with Chiefs loosie Simon Parker named to play his first Test.
Taylor played his first Test in 2015 against Argentina in Christchurch, coming off the bench to score a try. He has scored another 21 tries since then.
"It's been a journey, I'm blessed and very grateful, Taylor said on team naming day," Taylor said.
He knew coming into 2025 that the milestone was something he could achieve.
"It was always a dream as a kid to wear the jersey. To fulfil that with one Test, let alone what's about to happen this weekend, I never would have thought of that."
Levin born Taylor (Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Muaūpoko, Ngāti Toa) is just the second All Blacks hooker to reach 100 Tests after Keven Mealamu who played 133 Tests between 2002-2015.
He will become the 14th All Black to play 100 Tests.
A banner of the 13 All Black centurions hangs in the team room.
"I've played with most of them but also look up to all of them , they're all of legend status and to join them on that banner has been a journey, not always straight forward, but it's a huge honour."
In 2015, Taylor debuted in a strong All Black squad that went on to win the World Cup that year.
"That team was one of the, if not the, greatest All Blacks team that ever was with the amount of legends. They showed what it meant to be [an All Black] and hopefully we're still living those standards."
Taylor's wife has flown into Buenos Aires to join in the celebrations which include him leading the haka again.
Codie Taylor during the New Zealand All Blacks v Namibia Rugby World Cup 2015 match. Photo: Andrew Cornaga / www.photosport.nz
Meanwhile Simon Parker is preparing himself to play his first game for the All Blacks.
The 25-year-old came through Otamatea High School and rugby club in Northland before going to St Peter's School in Cambridge for his year 13.
120kg Parker was added to the squad for the Rugby Championships after an excellent Super Rugby Pacific campaign and gets a start in the only change for the second game against Argentina in Buenos Aires on Sunday.
He has some idea what it will feel like when he runs out onto Estadio Josē Amalfitani on Sunday morning.
"Excitement and not just proud for my family but for everyone who has helped me get to this point."
All Blacks centurions
Sam Whitelock 2010-2023 153
Richie McCaw 2001-2015 148
Beauden Barrett 2012-present 137
Keven Mealamu 2002-2015 132
Kieran Read 2008-2019 127
Aaron Smith 2012-2023 125
Tony Woodcock 2002-2015 118
Dan Carter 2003-2015 112
Brodie Retallick 2012-2023 109
Owen Franks 2009-2019 108
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