Will Jordie be the man

Departing All Black Ben Smith will leave New Zealand as a poster boy for extended periods away from the game and has revealed that more senior All Blacks are set for breaks ‘‘over the next few years’’.

Smith was given time off to recharge after the second Bledisloe in August 2017 and while he plays a straight bat to most questions the topic of rest immediately engages the Otago product.

‘‘It’s one the best things I could have done at that point,’’ Smith said yesterday. ‘‘It gave me a chance to put a lot of energy back into the game.

‘‘As you’ll see over the next few years there will be chances where other players get an opportunity to take breaks so that they can be really fresh when they are playing rugby and put their best foot forward.’’

With overseas suitors lining up to sign top-line All Blacks after the World Cup the focus has been on where players such as Beauden Barrett will go to cash in on their status.

However, non-playing sabbaticals are still an option, and New Zealand Rugby Head of Professional Rugby Chris Lendrum told Stuff in September that players were keen on the idea.

‘‘We’ve seen more interest in the last few years in people taking a break from rugby altogether, whether that’s short or long term,’’ Lendrum said. ‘‘Ben Smith last year is a really good example of that, Richie McCaw prior to that.

‘‘I think the overwhelming feeling at the All Blacks level is that you step away from the All Blacks at your own risk.’’

While Smith was never in danger of losing his All Blacks jersey he made it clear his break was responsible for his strong form this year and made it clear he wouldn’t join Sam Whitelock and Kieran Read on the sidelines for the start of Super Rugby.

‘‘I’ve had my break,’’ Smith said.

‘‘My body is feeling really good, mentally I’m feeling really good so I’m good to go and I’m looking forward to getting back into it for the Highlanders.’’

Next season will be Smith’s last for the Highlanders after confirming his move to French club Pau and Smith is a certainty to wear the No 15 jersey.

However, Smith gave his backing to Damian McKenzie’s efforts at fullback for the All Blacks, where Smith has been moved to the right wing.

‘‘Damo is a special player,’’ Smith said. ‘‘He ignites a lot of things we do as a team.

‘‘It’s been awesome to be working alongside him.

‘‘He’s a pretty exciting talent