Rory Best has been hailed as one of Ireland's toughest ever Test competitors as the captain closes in on 100 caps.
Ulster rugby director Les Kiss coached Best with Ireland for six years and ranks the gritty hooker among the most durable stars of the international arena.
Best, 34, will draw level with Peter Stringer on 98 appearances as Ireland's fifth most-capped player should he start Saturday's clash with New Zealand in Chicago.
"To have passed 90 caps is special for the uncompromising way he plays the game, so to reach 100 caps would be some occasion too," said Kiss.
"He's had his injuries in his time, but he's robust, resilient and just keeps coming, keeps working hard to improve each year.
"He's got all the qualities that you'd expect from someone capable of reaching 100 caps. I find him one of the toughest players who's ever been up there.
"We'd love to see him hit the 100-cap milestone in the autumn, because he'd be hugely deserving of that."
Best has captained Ireland since Paul O'Connell's injury-enforced retirement after the World Cup in 2015.
The Ulster hooker will lead Joe Schmidt's men once more this autumn, with two matches in three weeks against the all-conquering All Blacks, who will be aiming to extend their record winning streak to 19 matches at Soldier Field this weekend, and other clashes against Canada and Australia.
"As a leader he just demands that you turn up and aim up and he can back it up," added Kiss.
"It's important that you can back it up when you say it, and he's one who can.
"You just look at what he does for any team he plays for. He's one of the most dogged, toughest guys you can play against.
"He's a leader by example, there's not always too many words, but when the words are there, they are strong, poignant and they mean something."