Happy Smith is ‘sweet as’

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 highlypublicised Christchurch airport tryst. 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 loose forward Dan Pryor says being back with the tight southern group 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 who is aiming at an April return to action himself after ACL surgery.

‘‘He’s the best in the world 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 with the Highlanders as they again look to work out of that combative New Zealand conference. ‘‘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.’’

Pryor said the way the Highlanders approached their rugby was ideal for those such as Smith and Lima Sopoaga, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa, Liam Squire and Elliot Dixon looking to prove their mettle for higher honours.

‘‘When they come back to the Landers they just feel at home, they relax and play their best when they don’t even think about that stuff. The good thing about the Landers is there’s no talk of the All Blacks.’’

Pryor also said the re-signing of skipper Ben Smith provided a massive dollop of inspiration for the southern franchise. ‘‘It’s pretty inspiring, man, especially when you hear what he’s been offered.’’