Derbies ‘will take their toll’

Ben Smith has warned that the increase in New Zealand derby games from six to eight starting next year will have a major impact on the ability of leading All Blacks to sustain their levels of performance through the entire season.

‘‘We definitely enjoy them, but at the same time it does take a lot out of you,’’ the Highlanders captain said when asked about the all-Kiwi affairs. ‘‘When you’ve got, as we did the way the draw worked out, four New Zealand teams to start things off, it is pretty tough, and it does impact you physically.

‘‘I missed a couple of those games (with a head knock) but I know from the other boys four in a row is a massive effort to start the competition.

‘‘If people are playing those eight derby games and for some guys if they’re playing a lot of test matches in a calendar year, it’s a big impact on the player, and the body. Physically and mentally I just wonder if someone will be able to get through that massive season.’’

Smith felt the decision to increase Kiwi derbies under the Super Rugby remake to 15 teams would require some careful planning from those running the New Zealand game.

‘‘I’m sure there will have to be ways around it with how people approach it, and how teams make sure players are staying fresh throughout a calendar year. But that’s not my job. That’s for someone who is a lot higher up than me.

‘‘I just think that it will take its toll. You might not see it till the end-of-year tours and those kind of things. Something has got to give.’’

Smith was asked what made the all-Kiwi affairs so much tougher than, say, a game against a South African or Australian opponent.

‘‘I’m not saying the South Africans or Australians don’t play physical or fast, but the intensity of those games against New Zealand teams always seems to be right up there. Last year we played the Lions in South Africa, and that was a game played at speed, it was physical, and it was one of the toughest games I’ve played.

‘‘I’m not saying New Zealand derbies are the only games that are tough, but there’s just something special about those games and it does make it pretty tough.’’