But the composed Southlander will have a pumping heart and a proud smile when he runs out on to Eden Park tonight.
Withy makes his 50th appearance for the Highlanders as they attempt to wrestle the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy off the Blues.
‘‘I’m pretty excited, actually,’’ Withy said yesterday.
‘‘I love playing for the Highlanders, just as much now as when I made my debut.
‘‘It’s what I always wanted to do, ever since I was a young fella. To do it once was pretty awesome and to run out for my 50th is pretty special as well.
‘‘It feels like it’s come round pretty quick. I’ve had a good run with injuries, touch wood, and it’s going to be a great occasion up there, playing the Blues.
‘‘If we can win up there and bring the Gordie Hunter home, back where he belongs, and top it off with my 50th, it will be a night I’ll remember for a long time.’’
Withy, 25, made his debut against the Crusaders in 2022.
A specialist flanker, he has played both sides of the scrum and also covered No8 when needed, and while he has been a model of consistency during his tenure, he has also developed into a senior leader in the team.
‘‘I’ve obviously grown up and matured a lot. With experience, you become more of a senior player and a leader.
‘‘I think there’s still the same things in my game — my skillset, my tackling — that I’ve been working on throughout the years, but I think I’ve matured a lot.
‘‘I’m a lot more calm and reasonable with what needs to be achieved.’’
Home wins over the Crusaders were among his favourite memories, Withy said.
‘‘But any good wins at home are nice — when mum and dad are here, and my brothers, and the rest of my family. That means a lot to me.’’
Withy, who captained Otago before heading home to play for the Stags in the NPC, is coming off contract with the Highlanders.
It would obviously be a huge surprise if the All Blacks XV representative was not in the South for a while yet.
The Highlanders have not won at Eden Park since 2018.
But memories are fresh of the stirring performance in Dunedin last year, when the Highlanders snapped an eight-game losing streak against the Blues with a 29-21 win, highlighted by a virtuoso Finn Hurley performance.
The Blues are third on the table — 10 points ahead of the seventh-placed Highlanders — and coming off a stinging 42-19 loss to the rampant Hurricanes.
Interestingly, the rivals lead a couple of statistical categories in Super Rugby that perhaps highlight a looming clash of styles.
The Blues have formed 51 mauls this season, 18 more than any other side, and have gained a jaw-dropping 195m from mauls, 102m more than the field.
While the Highlanders will feel they can compete up front, especially through a scrum powered by in-form prop Ethan de Groot, their strength is further out.
The Highlanders lead all Super Rugby teams in the rate of their attack from outside backs. No less than 61% of their 381m gained per game have come through centres, wingers and fullbacks.
While the tactical battle and the desperate need to stay in the playoff hunt take precedence, there should be one more motivating factor for the Highlanders tonight.
They would dearly love to regain the Gordon Hunter Memorial Trophy, named for the beloved figure who coached both teams before his death in 2002.
Super Rugby
Eden Park, 7.05pm
Highlanders: Taine Robinson, Caleb Tangitau, Tanielu Tele’a, Timoci Tavatavanawai (co-captain), Jona Nareki, Cameron Millar, Adam Lennox, Nikora Broughton, Veveni Lasaqa, Sean Withy, Mitch Dunshea, TK Howden, Angus Ta’avao, Jack Taylor, Ethan de Groot (co-captain). Reserves: Soane Vikena, Josh Bartlett, Saula Ma’u, Oliver Haig, Lucas Casey, Folau Fakatava, Xavier Tito-Harris, Finn Hurley.
Blues: Zarn Sullivan, Cole Forbes, AJ Lam, Xavi Taele, Codemeru Vai, Beauden Barrett, Finlay Christie, Hoskins Sotutu, Dalton Papali’i, Anton Segner, Sam Darry, Patrick Tuipolotu, Marcel Renata, Bradley Slater, Mason Tupaea. Reserves: Kurt Eklund, Ben Ake, Sam Matenga, Josh Beehre, Torian Barnes, Malachi Wrampling, Taufa Funaki, Pita Ahki.
