The Aaron Smith saga is “done and dusted” as the side prepares for Saturday’s Bledisloe Cup dead rubber, according to New Zealand assistant coach Ian Foster.
Smith, 27, voluntarily stood down from the third Bledisloe Test this weekend after a two-hour disciplinary hearing with NZ Rugby on Monday.
The 54-cap halfback was seen entering a disabled toilet cubicle at Christchurch Airport in September with a woman who was not his partner.
He had earlier sat out the side’s 57-15 hammering of South Africa in the immediate aftermath of the revelations.
NZ Rugby gave Smith a formal warning on Monday, concluding his actions amounted to serious misconduct.
He also agreed to forfeit his playing wages for Saturday’s game.
Foster told reporters his side had already moved on from Smith’s absence, with Chiefs halfback Augustine Pulu drafted in as a replacement.
However, he confirmed No.9s TJ Perenara and Tawera Kerr-Barlow would most likely be selected as the match-day squad’s two halfbacks.
“We’re in Test mode and what Aaron’s doing is in the right interests of that,” Foster said on Tuesday.
Teammate and fellow All Blacks stalwart Jerome Kaino said Smith had been provided with a clear way forward to atone for his errors.
“We’ll support him when we can, but he’s got a clear way to get better and focus on himself,” the 33-year-old Kaino said.
NZ Rugby general manager Neil Sorensen said Smith appeared genuinely remorseful at his disciplinary hearing and was committed to obtaining help.
Smith was also keen to work on his relationship with his partner and acknowledged the need for support from family, friends and NZ Rugby.
“We have also taken into account the fact that the very public nature of this incident has had a significant impact on him personally,” Sorensen said.
“Aaron had already made a very public apology to his partner, friends, family, teammates, his employer and rugby fans.”
New Zealand have already wrapped up the Bledisloe Cup for a 14th straight year but will earn a record 18 consecutive Test victories with a win over Australia.
ClarkeG
Guest
Clearly there are 2 points of view. All good. Having read the information from Rebel on this matter it may be that it is those that hold the same view as you who are in need of the shining light. :-)
ClarkeG
Guest
Yes and as Muz implies it will be the likes of you that will ensure it is not forgotten so easily. But for one that says he could not care less you are making a lot of noise.
ClarkeG
Guest
Struggling with comprehension there I see. It is clear from what I have written that as far as NZR (including All Blacks) is concerned it is done and dusted. You suggested otherwise. So on that point we disagree. It is also clear that we agree that the issue will come up again from time to time as many many things do. It should also be clear that it is my view that it will be the likes of you that will be to the forefront in revisiting the issue when the opportunity presents itself. This I feel is a reasonable conclusion having read your highly emotive rant.
CUW
Guest
@ rebel that is the exact point. using an accessible toilet is not illegal BUT using a disabled parking slot is ; that is why there is fine if ur caught. its the degree of inconvenience to the disabled person. if ur disabled and got to wait to enter the toilet , it is a minor inconvenience. but if ur disabled and have to use a normal parking slot , it is a major issue, which may put that person in danger.
ClarkeG
Guest
Now now Marty....You will have to behave if you want your Mummy to read you a bedtime story. :-)
Marto
Guest
ClarkeG ...Want a tissue princess?? haha
Marto
Guest
Well why didn't Owen Franks stand himself down for eye gouging Kane Douglas ??...Enough with the huff n fluff AB`S standards bollox.. No one is buying it ..
Doubles
Guest
AWW BOOOO HOOOO
Xiedazhou
Guest
Seems you are arguing with yourself ClarkeG, and losing. Lets hope you win some of those arguments occasionally. It can't be "done and dusted" if as you say "the story will come up again", "will Smith and others be reminded from time to time about his past behaviour - yes" and when you are not sure that Smith will be able to return to his previous high standards of play. And yes i will be watching the "Qantasies" on Saturday, night. I suspect the Australian side will be on the wrong side of the score but will support the Australian side against the New Zealanders anyway.
Xiedazhou
Guest
Quite to the contrary. I couldn't care less what Smith does next, nor that he has so little self control in his personal life that he did what he did, I'm just pointing out to those who want to say "move on, there's nothing to see here" that the incident will not be forgotten so easily.
clipper
Guest
Agree, that has been used to ramp up the scale, but also agree with CUW that using an accessible toilet is OK for it's intended use 'if in a hurry' - perhaps it didn't take very long at all.
soapit
Guest
clarke i dare say its simply what the vast majority of people refer to them as in any situation and nothing more than a continuation of that habit. it may take time to make this change in society. perhaps you could enlist more famous sports stars to assist in your efforts to shine a light on the issue. personally i dont think the difference in terms really means much except the fact its not legally binding.
rebel
Guest
Thanks CP,
soapit
Guest
i dont know cuw, if theres 3 disabled spots left and no others and ur just popping in for a second you could probably think its ok. i dont think ive ever actually had that situation and the potential ticket probably would have stopped me anyway. i agree tho they are not the same. it doesnt mean the use of the disabled toilet in this case is a complete non issue as is being suggested.
soapit
Guest
rebel i have explained how it is not illegal (ie no underlying rule) but it is still inconsiderate. not suggesting its the biggest part of the issue (or that the issue as a whole is a massive one) but some extra criticism on that basis seems reasonable to me.
rebel
Guest
No people bought up the 'disabled' toilet to gain more leverage on this story. It has been rightly pointed out this is incorrect and there is no underlying rule in regards to their use. I have been to lectures by people who write the Accessibility Code and use it daily. I do have an issue with Smith using a public toilet, I just done agree with extra condemnation that is not warranted or accurate.
Cynical Play
Roar Rookie
Fair call. Sorry. No excuses.
ClarkeG
Guest
Ummm... the ABs don't want it done and dusted - it is already done and dusted. In case you have not been paying attention Smith has been through a NZR hearing and he has been issued with a warning after it was found his behaviour amounted to serious misconduct. So as far as NZR are concerned the matter has been dealt with and Smith is able to be selected again by the ABs if the selectors see fit to do so. Will that happen - probably. So yes it is done and dusted. Will the story die down. Already has. Will the story come up again. Yes it will. When - most likely when he is again selected and then when he first plays. Will it die down again - yes it will. Will Smith and others be reminded from time to time in the future about his past behaviour - yes he/they will. By whom - you probably. Will Smith be able to return to his previous high standards of play - let's wait and see. Will Cooper be booed by some on Sat night at Eden Park - more than likely. How many NZers have got over the Cooper thingee - probably a lot more than you think if the truth be known. Will there be some who will never get over the Smith thingee - yes for sure - who - you more than likely. Nice rant and rave on your part all the same. Will you be watching the Qantasies on Saturday night.
CUW
Guest
no , my point is that an able person shud never use the disabled car park spot. but an able person can use the disable toilet. i am precisely addressing ur point re: "if no other reasonable option" people park in disable spots becoz of maybe time pressure or no vacant spot, which they never shud do !!! no able person shud ever park on a disabled spot. but going to a disabled toilet is ok , if in a hurry. :)
Muz
Guest
Well it's clear that in your eyes Xiedazhou that it'll never be over. Its good to hold onto the important things in life.