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'I’m just blessed’: Aaron Smith looks ahead to final week as an All Black
By Finn Morton
This is Aaron Smith’s last week as an All Black. As you read this, take a moment to applaud, celebrate and cherish the greatness that the halfback known as ‘Nugget’ will leave behind.
For a player who has given so much to the black jersey, Smith has an opportunity to bow out on top of the rugby world next weekend. The All Blacks are off to “the big dance” in France.
The All Blacks booked their ticket to the Rugby World Cup final with a commanding 44-6 win over Argentina on Friday which sets up a potential fairytale finish to Smith’s Test career.
Smith bid a heartfelt farewell to the Highlanders at the end of their Super Rugby Pacific campaign earlier this year after signing for Toyota Verblitz in Japan on a long-term deal.
With New Zealand Rugby’s eligibility laws preventing overseas players from playing for the All Blacks, the 124-Test veteran has made peace with the fact this is it.
“Knowing it’s my last week, I knew it was going to come to an end. The silver lining for me is I got to control how I went out,” Smith told reporters after the semi-final win over Argentina.
“Obviously signed elsewhere next year but I wanted to make sure this year I had no regrets about how I played, my preparation and giving myself and the team the best I can give.
“I’m just blessed (that) I’m trusted by the coaches and the boys to play. I pray to be standing talking to you next week.”
Form is temporary but class is permanent. While the end of Smith’s legendary career is now just days away, the All Blacks centurion has returned to some superb form during the World Cup.
Smith was especially impressive during the big win over Argentina at Stade de France with the Test veteran crossing for a try during the 38-point rout. The All Blacks - and Smith’s career - live to fight another day, which is truly incredible.
For a team that came under immense scrutiny following a historic series loss to Ireland last year, the All Blacks have silenced their critics as they await another chance at rugby immortality.
“It’s still sinking in. Four years man, I remember this feeling this time four years ago – disappointed, gutted, feeling like you’ve sort of let the country down,” Smith said.
“To be in this position to contend for a World Cup is just so special and also the last couple of years, but all of that doesn’t count for anything now, we’ve taken another step in this tournament and we’re in the big dance.
“That’s so energising and so exciting for our team… just got to get our bodies and minds right and get excited about an awesome week to contend for the World Cup.”
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Latest Comments
Don't think you've watched enough. I'll take him over anything I's seen so far. But let's see how the future pans out. I'm quietly confident we have a row of 10's lined uo who would each start in many really good teams.
Go to commentsHopefully Joe stays where he is. That would mean Les, McKellar, larkham and Cron should as well. It’s the stability we need in the state programs. But, if Joe goes, RA with its current financial situation will be forced into promoting from within. And this will likely destabilise other areas.
To better understand some of the entrenched bitterness of those outside of NZ and NSW (as an example 😂), Nic, there is probably a comparison to the old hard heads of welsh rugby who are still stuck in the 1970s. Before the days where clubs merged, professionalism started, and the many sharp knives were put into the backs of those who loved the game more than everyone else. I’m sure you know a few... But given your comparison of rugby in both wales and Australia, there are a few north of the tweed that will never trust a kiwi or NSWelshman because of historical events and issues over the history of the game. It is what it is. For some, time does not heal all wounds. And it is still festering away in some people. Happy holidays to you. All the best in 2025.
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