Smith a happy Highlander
Shock at Vickerman death
Aaron Smith has a rugby renaissance to launch in 2017, and the Highlanders are backing him to achieve it by going back to basics in Super Rugby.
Smith found being an All Black decidedly difficult at the tail end of 2016 on the back of his highly publicised Christchurch airport tryst. Suddenly the man Lions coach Warren Gatland had tagged the most influential player in world rugby found himself in a downward spiral of form and confidence.
He missed three tests for the All Blacks as a disciplinary measure, and never found premium form when he was ushered back for the November tour. By the end of that jaunt he had even been supplanted by TJ Perenara as Steve Hansen’s first-choice No 9.
Clearly, the incident and its ramifications had a major impact on the normally chipper little halfback. And without that spring in his step, and that belief in himself, his form slipped.
But after an off-season break, and a chance to clear his head, he will be hoping to win back the The rugby world has been rocked by news former Wallaby Dan Vickerman has died.
The 63-test Wallaby is understood to have died on Saturday night. It is believed there were no suspicious circumstances.
Vickerman leaves behind a wife, Sarah, and two young children.
South Africa-born Vickerman, 37, was a lock for the Wallabies between 2002 and 2011 and played
faith of the national coaches through a strong Super Rugby campaign with the Highlanders.
Loose forward Dan Pryor says being back with the tight southern group as they look to once again contend for top honours in Super Rugby should be just the vehicle the 28-year-old needs to add to his 58 test caps.
‘‘Everyone knows when you feel natural and comfortable in your environment, you do your best, and Nuggy (Smith) is no different,’’ said Pryor.
‘‘He’s the best in the world his professional career with the Waratahs and Brumbies.
He was forced to retire in 2012 due to persistent injuries to his leg.
He carved out a career in commercial real estate following retirement.
Australian Rugby Union chief executive Bill Pulver has expressed his condolences, saying Vickerman was a well-loved figure amongst rugby circles.
when he’s firing. He did have a tough end [to his year] but he’s come back in with the Highlanders and he’s sweet as.
‘‘There’s nothing lingering, and no negativity. The boys give him a bit of a dig every now and then, but it’s all sweet as.’’
Pryor said he expected Smith to return to his best form pretty quickly.
‘‘He’s happy, he’s at home and nothing has changed from last year. He seems good, and I’m sure we’ll see him back playing at his best before long.’’