Smith weighs

WAYNE Smith never planned to rejoin the All Blacks this year, and feels his era with the team he loves dearly may soon draw to a close. Nineteen years is a long time with any organisation. But, don’t fret, when the time comes the professor won’t be lost to the New Zealand game.

Linking with the All Blacks again last year and pursuing the quest to nail successive World Cups was an easy decision for Smith.

‘‘That was going to be it, though,’’ the influential and highly-respected All Blacks defence and counter attack coach says over a coffee in Durban this week. ‘‘I wasn’t intending to continue on.’’

Smith has a long affiliation with Steve Hansen, something that gave the All Blacks head coach bargaining power when it came to convincing his good mate to stay on this year.

The pair go back to when Smith started his coaching career with Canterbury B, when Hansen was his captain. They progressed through to the Crusaders when, in 1998, Peter Sloane got the call-up to join John Hart in the All Blacks and Smith took on Hansen, a centre in his day, as his forwards coach.

‘‘I took a bit of a punt on Steve. We had a great year, won a second title, and he was a superb foil for me. We were both pretty young coaches and I’ve always been pretty grateful for that.’’

So last February when Hansen said he wanted Smith to come back for another two years, a period which includes the British and Irish Lions tour, it was difficult to say no.

Hansen’s argument centred on the fact he needed help to replace the likes of Richie McCaw, Dan Carter, Ma’a Nonu, Conrad Smith, Keven Mealamu and Tony Woodcock.

‘‘Steve had some valid points about the 100 cappers going, the new group coming in; we’d just started the defensive strategy at the World Cup and wanted to carry on. It was the right thing to do. I’ve absolutely loved it. This group is bold, great to coach, work hard and very integrated in everything we do.

‘‘When he’s approached me I’ve always been pretty open to return the favour and I also love New Zealand rugby. But there does come a time when it’s right to move on.’’

Smith has been involved with the All Blacks for 19 years – five