All Blacks No.8 Kieran Read says there's no chance of getting carried away with his world-beating form.
Not when father Terry is only an email away.
Read's dynamic displays in Test wins over France and England this month have attracted superlatives from the media in Europe.
Six tries in his last six Tests and his hugely influential all-round game for the unbeaten All Blacks make him a compelling candidate to be named International Rugby Board player of the year.
Read admits he's in career-best form, but says there is no danger of his head swelling in the lead up to Sunday's Test against Ireland in Dublin.
"I've enjoyed the season and certainly feel like I'm playing at quite a high level at the moment," he said.
"But my dad emailed me and said 'look, you're only as good as your last effort'."
Papakura-based Terry Read has always been a pragmatic sounding board, the 28-year-old says.
"He won't say too much but he'll be straight to the point. It certainly keeps your feet on the ground."
Read's standards have rarely dropped in playing every minute of his 12 Test appearances this year, missing just the defeat of Japan this month.
He says the All Blacks' playing style has freed him up to play a wide-ranging attacking game, which defences have found taxing to cope with.
He has a chance of moving ahead of his own All Blacks record for a forward of six tries in a season, set in 2010.
The world record is eight, scored by Springboks flanker Juan Smith in 2007.
Just two other All Blacks have been crowned world player of the year - flanker Richie McCaw three times and first five-eighth Dan Carter twice.
This year's nominees will be announced next week and the winner unveiled on November 30.
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