Some of his younger teammates would have googled his name and realised Snee boasts the necessary experience. The Lower Hutt-raised former Otago University student was a member of the 2003 New Zealand under-19 team which finished second at their world championship and he played two games for Otago in 2008.
But his five seasons in the Spain side are Snee's biggest claim to fame.
"My dream is to go and play at the World Cup and I could get there in 2019."
After the Mitre 10 Cup, Snee hopes to make the Spanish team again for tests against Canada and Brazil and their Super 6 Nations competition. If they can finish third in their Super 6 behind Georgia and Romania - who have already qualified for the World Cup - they will play off against Samoa for a berth.
A father of a 13-month-old son, Snee, runs Lodge on St Georges, an eight-bedroom accommodation facility in Havelock North and also leases an apple orchard out. He knows a polished display tonight could earn him more Mitre 10 Cup game time which will enhance his chances of World Cup selection should Spain qualify.
"Fingers crossed that will happen. But my first goal is to experience a win with the Magpies."
During his stint against Otago Snee impressed with his aggressive defence, option-taking, chatter and 100 per cent (three from three) goalkicking success rate. While West, who will again start at fullback, will be the first string goalkicker tonight Snee will be his deputy.
"It looks like it. I was the only other one doing some goalkicking out here today. It would be good to stay on 100 per cent," he said after yesterday's Captain's Run.
"Basically I just have to keep doing what I have been doing ... play my natural game and keep aggressive."
Snee has done his homework on the Taranaki Bulls and agreed the third-placed side in the Premiership like to be physical and put pressure on opposing teams.
"They have a strict game plan and they don't have any variation from it."
Like fellow Saracens squad members, hooker Jorian Tangaere, locks Ben Parsons and Josh Eden-Whaitiri and loosie Ben Hamelink, Snee has provided proof the Saracens team provides a pathway for players hoping to gain Mitre 10 Cup exposure. However, this season Snee has yet to play for the Saracens because of injury and providing cover for the Magpies.
It's obvious that in his own relaxed style Snee is enjoying the experience.
"Rugby is my happy place away from work and family commitments. If we can get a win against Taranaki that would be the icing on the cake," he added.
Magpies head coach Craig Philpott confirmed Falcon's confidence levels were low.
"We have released Tiaan to play for the Saracens. This will give him an opportunity to freshen up in an environment where the pressure isn't as intense. Tiaan will be crucial for us as we enter the home straight of the season."
Philpott agreed Snee brought solid defence to the inside channel as well as a cool head and plenty of chatter.
"We're keen to grow his combination with Bucky [second five-eighth Richard Buckman] and Jonah [centre Jonah Lowe]."
Snee's replacing of Falcon and Cardiff Vaega's replacing of brother TJ Vaega on the right wing are the only changes to the backline used in last weekend's loss to Counties-Manukau. The only change to the engine room sees Chiefs lock Michael Allardice replace new Waratah Nick Palmer.
A heavy bout of the flu has prevented Palmer from filling a berth on the subs bench and Eden-Whaitiri has replaced him. While the Magpies did well to keep their missed tackle count to 17 during their 33-14 loss to Counties-Manukau their 21 turnovers conceded was too high. There were far too many unforced errors and these will have to be reduced if the Magpies are to be competitive with the Bulls.
