Smith wary of confident ’Tahs
Surprise, surprise, an Australian rugby team is talking up their chances of coming to New Zealand and tipping up a Kiwi side.
Led by fullback Israel Folau, the Waratahs have taken a page out of the Wallabies’ book ahead of their match against the streaking Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday night.
After bagging a couple of tries in his side’s 50-23 spanking of the miserable Rebels a week ago, Folau is suddenly oozing with confidence and has been talking up his team ahead of games against the Highlanders and Chiefs.
Again and again Australian teams have crossed the ditch and talked the talk, but failed to ram home their words on the paddock. Australia’s five Super Rugby teams are still sitting on a doughnut against their Kiwi counterparts this year. A big fat 0-18.
But while some Kiwis might laugh off the lippy Aussies, returning Highlanders fullback Ben Smith, who will equal Anton Oliver’s franchise record of 127 matches in the round 14 clash, isn’t in the same boat.
‘‘It’s a massive challenge for us,’’ Smith, who missed his team’s last three games with an ankle injury, said.
‘‘I think of a lot their guys, the last couple of weeks, have started to play some good rugby and you can see that as a team.
Coached by former All Black Daryl Gibson, the 4-7 Waratahs are still right in the playoff hunt, and could go top of the underwhelming Australian conference if they beat the Highlanders and the Brumbies trip up against the Jaguares on the road.
On the other hand, the Highlanders are the hottest team in the competition outside of the unbeaten Crusaders.
They’re chasing a franchise record extending ninth consecutive win, something Smith is relishing the chance to be a part of after watching from his couch the past three weeks.
Earlier this season, Smith missed two games with concussion and one with a hamstring strain, and All Blacks coach Steve Hansen will no doubt be crossing his fingers and hoping his star fullback can remain healthy with the British and Irish Lions tour looming.
Smith has a chance to become the most capped Highlander of all-time next weekend, when his side visits the Crusaders in Christchurch.
Meanwhile Shane Christie’s Super Rugby season is over due to experiencing "concussion-like" symptoms.
The Highlanders confirmed on Friday he would take no further part in their campaign, which runs until at least July 16.
The 31-year-old flanker was yet to be diagnosed with a specific condition, but the team confirmed he had been experiencing "concussion-like" symptoms.
The condition has been managed by Highlanders medical staff, with support from New Zealand Rugby and has included independent assessment of his situation.