Smith hits reset button to discover his true self
Blacks, fresh off their November treks north, rest minds, recover bodies and luxuriate in something resembling a normal life at the end of the relentless 10-month rugby season.
Barbies, beers and beaches top priority lists. But not for Smith. He dedicated his December to establishing a fitness base that would have him in the best condition possible for 2018.
‘‘It was very deliberate in the sense I’m not getting any younger and really want to take the opportunities ahead,’’ he adds. ‘‘I was doing stuff every day at a pretty high level in December, and then in January contacted my trainer around specific rugby drills. We have All Blacks testing at the end of January and I wanted to turn up in mid-season shape.
‘‘Physically, I’m in the best shape of my life with fitness, skinfolds and weight. It’s given me another gear, and the game comes a bit easier. But you can also go harder when you’re fitter, so it isn’t easier because you’ve got another gear to go to. I feel the work I did in December will set me up to go deep into the year.’’ what I can do. These coaches here will give you every opportunity to do that if you’re willing to work.’’
It might be a product of where he’s from – born and raised in working-class Feilding – or what he’s been through, but Smith takes nothing for granted. He talks about being pushed at the Highlanders by Kayne Hammington, and about always wanting to prove himself a worthy All Black. He wants to be picked on form, not on his body of work in seasons past.
It’s why this year’s conditioning plan was essentially just a dry run for 2019. World Cup year.
‘‘I wanted to see what kind of pre-season I needed to set myself up to have a big year. I’ve seen I don’t have to pass a rugby ball every day. I can be running roads, doing hill sprints, climbing stairs, and still have snacks and beers, and enjoy summer.’’
You ask if he’s hit the reset button after his tribulations of 2016, and he nods in agreement.
‘‘It’s about being grateful for opportunities. To be honest, I don’t know if I was that grateful for a year or so there. But I’m really grateful where I’m at now. I just want to do everything I can to give myself an opportunity to perform.’’
While we’ve got him here, we tick off some other subjects:
On going another World Cup cycle (he’s contracted till 2019): ‘‘It hasn’t come up yet. I love this team, and it’s definitely not out of the picture. It’s something we need to start thinking about soon.’’
On new All Blacks halfback Te Toiroa Tahuriorangi, who has been compared to a young Aaron Smith: ‘‘I see a lot of youth, flair and explosiveness. He’s his own man, his own version of what he is, but he’s such an impressive young fella to watch.’’
On TJ Perenara: ‘‘His work ethic is amazing. He’s always either thinking about the game, looking at footage or training to get his body in the best shape. He’s pushed me the whole way; every day, every week, every training he’s there. He’s an outstanding man as well, a great leader in this group, and holds a lot of mana. He’s a big cog in this machine.’’
Fit, strong, fast and with a growing appreciation for all he has. Yes, Aaron Smith really has found that good place.