Keith Robinson is the archetypal strong silent type, a hulking rugby grafter who could be deep in thought yet still economical with his short, sharp responses.
The recalled All Blacks lock duly played true to form today, fitting the persona befitting a 1.98m tall, 115kg lock with short back and sides from Te Aroha.
Often when Robinson lifts off to take a lineout ball in his big mitts, the message that he is the designated Waikato jumper is conveyed by his raising of the eyebrows -- nothing more needs to be said.
And when New Zealand Rugby Union chairman Jock Hobbs today announced Robinson's comeback from a career-threatening back injury to international level, all eyebrows in the Waikato Stadium conference room remained fixed -- and little explanation was required.
However, two years -- or even six weeks -- ago, the prospect of Robinson making a second northern hemisphere tour would have elicited some questionable glances.
He toured Europe with coach John Mitchell's 2002 tourists and was recalled by Henry early in the 2004 campaign.
However, the towering pig hunter looked to have his burgeoning All Blacks career cut off at the knees.
Two bulging discs striking a spinal nerve were the original impediment to extending his six test career past a 2004 romp over the Pacific Islanders.
An operation to trim the discs was scheduled and deemed a success but although his surgeon was positive about Robinson returning to the field, that rehabilitation took much longer than expected.
After leg troubles, he finally started playing club rugby in Te Aroha earlier this year and with six trouble-free games under his belt he ventured into the Waikato set-up.
Four days later disaster struck again -- this time knee ligaments were wrenched during a freak training accident.
Unfazed, Robinson wrote off that nine-week lay-off as a mere inconvenience, did what he could in his gym and quietly plotted a surprise return to first class rugby at Waikato Stadium.
With no fanfare -- at least until he emerged from the tunnel -- Robinson ran out against Wellington on September 23.
Last night's rematch in the Air New Zealand Cup final -- another effective 80-minute display -- was his fifth consecutive match and was clearly enough to satisfy Henry and the other selectors that the middle of the lineout specialist could replicate his calm, glue-like presence against England, France and Wales.
A throw back to old-style forward raised in the backblocks, Robinson offers solidity, dependability and a willingness to deal in his own economical way with niggly play.
He maintains that granite facade, though he is man enough to admit it has wavered since the back pain set in in July 2004.
"Quite a few times I thought about throwing in the towel," he said.
"I forgot about rugby for a bit. Some days I trained and I didn't know if I'd be back. Other days? Bloody oath," he said, as tears started to well after his name was read out.
Although a developing gym business with wife Jeanne and doting on his two little girls provide a healthy diversion during his recuperation, Robinson never lost the yearning to lace up the boots again whether it be for College Old Boys in Te Aroha, Waikato or even the All Blacks.
"It was always in the back of my mind. I knew it had to be small steps first and the All Blacks could come.
"If I could come back and play well, and the (Waikato) team did well. Now it's all come good."
NZPA