Then, Ben Smith in his Highlanders debut was a somewhat skinny white guy on the wing, a bit of an unknown who had some promise.
Now some eight years later, he is class personified - an All Blacks vice captain, who is the best in the world in his position.
And tomorrow afternoon he will become the most capped Highlander of all time.
Smith, who turned 31 yesterday, will get his 128th cap for the southern franchise, against the Crusaders, passing the record held by hooker Anton Oliver.
The fullback though will not get too wrapped up in the occasion. For him it is - and always has been - about the team. That means getting a win against the Crusaders.
Let's hope Smith gets his wish.
A game to win and a record to boot - that is some late birthday present.