TRIBUTES have been pouring in for the passing ability of Jean de Villiers.

There has also been praise for his defence, vision and leadership in the build-up to his 100th test, which will be played at the Westpac Stadium against the All Blacks on Saturday.

De Villiers is widely respected by his contemporaries for the spirit in which he plays the game and for being a consummate professional.

The demands he places on others never exceed that on himself and to friend and foe he displays a human touch that has transcended even the most enduring rugby rivalry.

"There aren't many players I respect more for the player he is but also off the field he is probably the first player I really struck up a relationship with," said his great adversary Conrad Smith.

"Even after games he'd always come up to have a word with me."

Smith stressed for midfielders to have De Villiers's longevity they have to be versatile.

"He is a big guy. His physicality is really strong, he uses his feet and passing game, which are massive attributes to his game. I think that is how he survives as a midfielder.

"He is skilled and passionate. Players enjoy seeing a captain who puts his body on the line. He cares about the teams he plays for," said Smith.

Fellow centurion Keven Mealamu said he's always seen De Villiers as a strong leader.

"He's always been a great player but when you meet the man off the field he is such a gentleman and a great man," Mealamu said yesterday.

However, Smith had a word of caution: "The Springboks must be careful not to invest too much emotionally in the landmark."

"You try and keep it as normal as possible but there's always people bringing it up," warned Mealamu.

"Then you think about what it took to get there. Nothing should change. You go about your business as usual."

"I don't think so," said De Villiers when asked if he was treating this week differently.