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‘Just want to win’: Aaron Smith downplays milestone ahead of must-win clash
All Blacks halfback Aaron Smith will run out onto Forsyth Barr Stadium for the last time tonight in Highlanders colours when they take on the Queensland Reds.
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When his playing days are over, Smith will be revered as probably the greatest player in Highlanders history.
Even at Test level, Smith’s international CV is nothing short of masterful – and will see him discussed alongside the likes of Richie McCaw, Colin Meades and Dan Carter as an All Blacks legend.
While the end is in sight for Aaron Smith in Aotearoa, there are still some momentous milestones that will be both celebrated and enjoyed by the New Zealand Rugby public.
Having played more than 180 appearances for the Highlanders – which has seen him become the most-capped player in franchise history – Smith will play his final home game in round 14.
The significance of the occasion adds to an already unmissable trans-Tasman derby between two teams eager to secure finals football.
Currently sitting in ninth-place on the Super Rugby Pacific standings, the Highlanders could mathematically be eliminated from the playoffs this weekend.
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Or, they can jump into the top eight.
Ahead of his final home game in Highlanders colours, Smith said that all he wants is to win on Friday night.
“It’s been great to look back (and) think back but yeah as a footy player you’ve got keep your head locked in for what’s to come,” Smith told SENZ’s The Run Home.
“We’ve got the Reds coming and we need to win, so I’m really excited about that challenge.
“I’ve got a heap of family and friends coming down, (I) love pressure and it’s all riding on this game for us which is awesome.
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“We’ve got a chance this week to try and get a win and get in the playoffs and try and go up to Hamilton and stir it up but we’ve got to win first and that’s all we’re thinking about.
“With all the hoopla around my last game, I just want to win on Friday night.”
Smith would have to be considered a certainty for the All Blacks’ Rugby World Cup squad later this year.
While there are some world-class halfbacks in New Zealand, including a few emerging stars, there are simply none better than Aaron Smith.
Smith has been a mainstay of the All Blacks for a number of years now – which included a start in the semi-final loss to England in 2019.
The halfback hasn’t forgotten that fateful day in Yokohama. In fact, the 34-year-old has still got “bad blood” from that clash – and is eager to make amends in France.
“The goals are going good so far this year,” he added.
“Having targets and then making the playoffs is definitely the one and then in the black jersey it’s just (to) make the team in a month’s time or whenever it’s named.
“The dream from when we lost to England (in the 2019 semi-final) and when we got home I set that goal, ‘I want to go to three World Cups,’ so I want to be there first.
“That would be pretty special and I just want to give myself the best chance to do that and that’s why definitely it started really early.
“That carrot at the end of the year’s so big and it just makes it so much fun to try and play hard and get your body fit and get ready for it.
“I’ve been to two and won one, lost one and (I’ve) still go that bad blood from 2019 but that was our fault and I’d love nothing more than a crack at a World Cup in France and I’d love to be at that game one versus France in Paris.
“That’s the goal, is to be there and what happens at the World Cup will happen, but I’d just like to make that first squad first.”
Comments on RugbyPass
What a difference Rodda and Carter made. Rodda has been out for ages but he is really the only world class lock in Australian rugby. Him, Carter and Beale made a huge difference on the weekend. If only they had a few decent props they’d be a much more dangerous team. Hamish Stewart was excellent last week as well. His carrying has improved significantly and has to be next in line after Paisami at 12 for the Wallabies. He’ll benefit hugely with Beale at fullback, there’s just no better communicator in Australian rugby than him and his experience will make a huge difference for the Force. No one sees space like Beale and he’s still sharp. I can see Force making a late charge into the top 8 if they can get some consistency.
2 Go to commentsRodda will be a walk up starter at lock. Frost if you analyse his dominance has little impact and he’s a long way from being physical enough, especially when you compare to Rodda and the work he does. He was quite poor at the World Cup in his lack of physicality. Between Rodda and Skelton we would have locks who can dominate the breakdown and in contact. Frost is maybe next but Schmidt might go for a more physical lock who does their core work better like Ryan or LSL. Swain is no chance unless there’s a load of injuries. Pollard hasn’t got the scrum ability yet to be considered. Nasser dominated him when they went toe to toe and really showed him up. Picking Skelton effects who can play 6 and 8. Ideally Valetini would play 6 as that’s his best position and Wilson at 8 but that’s not ideal for lineout success. Cale isn’t physical enough yet in contact and defence but is the best backrow lineout jumper followed by Wright, Hanigan and Swinton so unfortunately Valetini probably will start at 8 with Wright or Hanigan at 6. Wilson on the bench, he’s got too much quality not to be in the squad. Paisami is leading the way at 12 but Hamish Stewart is playing extremely well also and his ball carrying has improved significantly. Beale is also another option based on the weekend. Beale is class but he’s also the best communicator of any Australian backline player and that can’t be underestimated, he’ll be in the mix.
8 Go to commentsWhy do people keep on picking Ardie at 7 when he's a ball in hand 8? A modern 7 is the lead tackler and ruck clearer which isn't his strength.
14 Go to commentsSly dig there at Ireland’s propensity to back a non-Irish coach. Must really want it. I’m not sure I like ROG very much. Comes off as unpleasant. But he’d gain my respect if he took a number 7 ranked team and turned them into WC winners. Not even back-to-back. Argentina? Scotland? Or how about Wales? France would be too easy, no?
1 Go to commentsA bit of sensationalism, but surprised by the comments about SBW. I’ve always thought of him as a pretty authentic person. There is nothing worse than working with a colleague you’ve seen straight through.
9 Go to comments100% agree with your comment about Touch. I’ve been playing it competitively since Covid. It’s on a Wednesday night after work. It means the weekend is free for time with my family.
1 Go to commentsRodda back is massively important for the Wallabies. Kaitu at hooker important too coz he was very good a few years ago.
2 Go to commentsThe pink cabous might be eligible this year and the Boks don’t need him
8 Go to commentsNasser and kaitu are options for hooker. Especially Nasser. You forgot Rodda who touch wood will be fit at test time and if fit he’s number one. Great partner for the great Skelton and Oz best lineout caller. Third best lock is LSL whom I’d be inclined to sub on for Skelton around 60 minutes. Probably start valetini at 8 because I like a big body back there. Cale should play 6 at the brumbies. For Wallabies definitely cale in the squad but as an apprentice. Dunno who starts at 6 seru wright Swinton hanigan with Will Harris and Harry Wilson not far away. Seru and Swinton my front runners but Swinton is going. Still if we don’t cap seru then Fiji must coz they need his lineout skills and easily compensate for his lack of weight
8 Go to commentsYeah but who was it?
9 Go to commentsThink you might have written this just before the Brumbies got thrashed last weekend
8 Go to commentsI really do believe that Billy Proctor should be selected at least in the larger squad but also it would be my choice at 13, much more a center than Ioane who can still play at wing. Roigard if fit should play, otherwise it should be Perenara or Christie. Also, Iose could deserve a spot at blindside. Of course, being a Canes supporter I’m biased but I really believe that at least Billy P is deserving a chance and being Holland one of the Selectors, I’m having a little hope he could grab it.
14 Go to commentsI would not play Swinton I’d pick Wright or Hanigan. The rest are decent starters, but can’t agree on any subs except Tupou. My take on the subs: Gibbon, Ueslese, Tupou, LSL, Wilson, White, Will Harrison, and Petaia.
8 Go to commentsSBW the biggest moron to pull on a black jersey a park footy player at best
9 Go to commentsSBW is fast becoming a laughing stock, his misplaced comments & lack of insight Is actually pretty sad.
9 Go to commentsJust well you guys are couch 🛋 potatoes selector's, picking a team of greenhorns to play England! “What are you people smoking?” The halfbacks will be Christie, Fakatava, Perenara Props; Newell, Bower, Lomax, Tunga'fasi, Hookers; Asosa Amua when fit, Taylor, Samisoni,
14 Go to commentsQuite frankly, all this is a bit pathetic. The first time Wales get the Wooden Spoon in 21 years and everyone is on the bandwagon for a ‘play-off’ game. Wales have no obligation to Georgia and no obligation to the rest of the Six Nations to play such a game. If they want Georgia in so badly then they need to include South Africa into a Northern Hemisphere competition with 2 leagues of 4 teams with the top 2 competing for the Championship. Sadly, this will end Triple Crowns and Grand Slams forever. Is this really what you want?
4 Go to commentsI think Finau to start Blackadder to come on. Poss Prokter instead of Ioane, haven't seen much from Reiko so far this year.
14 Go to commentsJoe will have had a good chat with Dave Rennie, a smart move to begin with while it’s doubtful Fast Eddie will be consulted? Plenty of Aus players hitting top form so they should go OK.
8 Go to commentsMmm. Not sure I like this article or see it as necessary.
9 Go to comments