Smith can leave confident in the Hurricanes’ strength
Conrad Smith can board a plane to France at the end of the year knowing the Hurricanes’ future is in safe hands.
The centre, who started at the franchise in 2004, will end his lengthy tenure in the capital at the end of the season as he eyes a stint in the Northern Hemisphere to round out his career after this year’s World Cup.
Smith will turn 34 in October and his final season with the Hurricanes has been an enjoyable one given his side have won 12 from 13 games and look likely to claim home advantage for the playoffs.
But one other thing that will be pleasing for Smith is seeing the number of players who have re-signed with the Hurricanes, the latest being hulking wing Julian Savea.
The 33-test All Black has joined Matt Proctor, Nehe Milner-Skudder, Cory Jane, Jason Woodward, James Marshall, Beauden Barrett and TJ Perenara as players who have signed on with the franchise for next year and beyond.
Despite the impending departure of Smith — and his long-time midfield partner Ma’a Nonu — the team will have plenty of capable backs in 2016.
“They’re good rugby players but they love playing for the Hurricanes and they want to see the side do really well, not just this year,” Smith said.
“I get the sense that they want to build something that can achieve long-term success and that’s always the hope, and I think it’s a great sign.”
Savea signed a four-year contract extension with New Zealand Rugby yesterday and Smith said he was happy to see the 24-year-old remain in Wellington.
“I know Julian would have had some pretty attractive options off- shore and whatnot but, talking to him, he was pretty keen on what he wanted to achieve here and for me, personally, it’s something that’s always driven me as well, so it’s great to see the guys doing that.”
One major goal for the Hurricanes over the past 20 years has been to win a maiden Super Rugby title.
They played in the final in 2006 but came up short against the Crusaders and have endured some tumultuous times in recent seasons.
But the arrival of head coach Chris Boyd and assistant John Plumtree has helped the side reach a new level in 2015 and they have firmed as favourites with the bookies to take the title this year.
The Hurricanes will meet a depleted Crusaders outfit in Nelson tomorrow and victory would see them sew up top spot on the ladder.
“We want to keep winning. We are enjoying the ride we are on,” Smith said.
“We are aware we are in the playoffs now but the last thing we want is to sort of stagger in there and feel like the job’s done. Because then, I think, that’s when you become unstuck and it’ll suddenly become a lot harder when you do get there.”
The Hurricanes have named a strong side to meet the Crusaders, although they are still without Barrett (knee); 20-year-old Otere Black is set to start again at first-five after impressing against the Blues last weekend. Barrett is likely to return against the Highlanders next week.