And the Highlanders prop has 50 reasons why he would love tonight to be the night that statistic changes.
De Groot will play his 50th game for his beloved Highlanders in their final Super Rugby Pacific round robin clash against the Hurricanes in Wellington.
"I feel like it’s come around pretty quick," de Groot said.
"It means a lot. It’s hopefully one milestone of many to come — here’s to 50 more."
De Groot made his debut for the Highlanders on July 19, 2020, where they beat the Chiefs 33-31 during the Super Rugby Aotearoa era.
While the Highlanders beat the Hurricanes 38-21 a month later — marking the last time the Highlanders beat the Hurricanes — de Groot was not part of the 23 that day.
Asked if his record against the Hurricanes was an added incentive for today’s clash, De Groot said "100%".
"We’re just ready to throw punches for 80 minutes, really."
Several players, including Timoci Tavatavanawai, Jacob Ratumaitavuki-Kneepkens, Sean Withy and Mitch Dunshea, have been rested this weekend as the Highlanders look towards the playoffs.
Resting players was key to ensuring they were ready for battle next week and de Groot said it was nice to take some momentum from the last few games into the final stages of the competition.
"[We] sort of started our season off with a hiss and a roar, and probably got a bit complicated in the middle of our season, got a bit messy," de Groot said.
"We’ve simplified things a wee bit and our game plan’s running smoothly."
It will be a special night all round for the All Black, who will again share the captains armband with Billy Harmon, and caps of a memorable week for de Groot, who was named Highlanders Man at their awards earlier this week.
"Pretty crazy, really, to be a part of that group of special people that have won it before.
"It’s kind of weird. Like, all of those guys had done so much for the club over their time — guys like Nuggie [Aaron Smith] and Bender [Ben Smith] and Nasi Manu still doing it today.
"I feel like I still have got way more to give in terms of my time here.
"As long as the Highlanders will have me, I’ll keep showing up."
Highlanders coach Clarke Dermody said de Groot was hugely motivated for the game and was proud to see him reach 50 caps.
"He’s just a southern man, isn’t he?," Dermody said.
"He sort of epitomises the values of what the Highlanders are, being from Gore, and the way he plays, and carries himself is, you know, like I say, what a Highlander Man is."
Hurricanes hooker Asafo Aumua gets his first start after six weeks on the sideline through injury, but they are without Brad Shields, Tyrel Lomax and Caleb Delany.
Winger Salesi Rayasi will also bring up his 50th game for the Hurricanes.
Super Rugby Pacific
Today, Wellington, 4.35pm
Highlanders: Finn Hurley, Connor Garden-Bachop, Matt Whaanga, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Ajay Faleafaga, James Arscott, Nikora Broughton, Billy Harmon, Max Hicks, Fabian Holland, Will Tucker, Jermaine Ainsley, Henry Bell, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Jack Taylor, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saulua Ma’u, Tom Sanders, Hayden Michaels, Folau Fakatava and Martin Bogado.
Hurricanes: Ruben Love, Josh Moorby, Billy Proctor, Jordie Barrett (capt), Salesi Rayasi, Brett Cameron, TJ Perenara, Brayden Iose, DuPlessis Kirifi, Devan Flanders, Isaia Walker-Leawere, James Tucker, Pasilio Tosi, Asafo Aumua, Xavier Numia. Reserves: James O’Reilly, Pouri Rakete-Stones, Tevita Mafileo, Justin Sangster, Peter Lakai, Jordi Viljoen, Riley Higgins, Bailyn Sullivan.
