All Blacks vice captain Ben Smith has confirmed next month’s two Bledisloe Cup Tests will be his last rugby matches of 2017.
World-class fullback Smith said, through his manager, that he is taking up a sabbatical clause in his contract following the second Rugby Championship Test against Australia in home town Dunedin on August 26.
In a move which had been widely forecast, Smith wants a break to help him best prepare physically and mentally for the 2019 World Cup, when he will be 33.
His manager, Warren Alcock, revealed the 63-Test veteran had originally intended to take the rest of the year off after Super Rugby.
However, injury had reduced his 2017 workload considerably, leaving him keen to face the Australians.
Head and ankle issues meant Smith played nine of the Highlanders’ 16 Super Rugby matches, including last week’s quarter-final loss to the Crusaders.
Smith’s unavailability for the last eight Tests of 2017 opens the door for 20-year-old Hurricane Jordie Barrett to stake a long-term claim.
Other fullback contenders are Chiefs livewire Damian McKenzie and Crusaders veteran Israel Dagg.
cuw
Guest
NMS is also a fullback , in provincial and super rugger. he plays wing mostly in tests as there is Smith and Dagg. Very much doubt if the NZ coaches will put DMAC at 15 again after his horror debut ( i think in 2016 v Argies ) . also there is talk that chiefs will play him at 10 once Cruden is gone. Dagg , I think will settle for 14 , now that Havili owns the 15 spot with Crusaders .... Blues have Collins and Nanai - none Chiefs have DMac and TNW - Dmac ? Crusaders have havili and dagg - Dagg Highlanders have Smith and faddes - Smith Hurricanes have NMS and JB and Jane. - NMS , JB
R2D2
Guest
Crotty is the coach on the field of play...smart player who always steady the ship.
Fionn
Guest
He actually attacks the ball and rucks very well, also. An invaluable bit too often overlooked aspect of centre play.
Fox
Roar Guru
Well said Ricardo and Fionn and Ricardo you are right - Crotty is arguably the world's most underrated player...never has a bad game and reads the plays as good as any centre in the game and his pace is much quicker than he looks as well, as his down the touchline try against the Wallabies showed last season. Exceptional centre at 13 or 12 in my opinion - outstanding in defence and support play as well
Riccardo
Guest
"The ABs seriously missed him during that Lions series." Did they what Highlander. Ditto for Coles and Crotty. The former is obvious but Ryan is under-rated IMO. And good on you for calling this as it is. Inertia and vertigo can be related to inner-ear problems Management. Plain and simple. And smart, given Fionn's astute comment about Smith's pecking order in world rugby. Fabulous opportunity for those young up and coming stars though.
Highlander
Guest
Smith himself has stated this is not related to his head knocks and he was diagnosed with an inner ear infection which was confused with concussion symptoms earlier this year so luckily that doesn't appear to be an issue. The sabbatical was always in his contract, a la McCaw/Carter and this is probably a prudent way to manage a guy in his last couple of years at the very top level through to the RWC in 2019. The ABs seriously missed him during that Lions series.
ethan
Guest
Looks to be a well timed moved from Smith given his head issues this year. Also good timing to allow the ABs a chance to develop some younger talent a couple of years out from the WC. Don't mind saying as a WBs fan that he is one of my favourite players - no doubt I'll be cursing his every move against us in a few weeks time! Hopefully he can put his head issues behind him.
Fionn
Guest
Really conflicted about this. On the one hand. it means that the teams facing the All Blacks will be in a considerably better spot as, in my opinion, Smith has been the best player in the world since about 2013. On the other hand, I hope it doesn't signal longterm head issues. It would be a major loss not only for New Zealand, but for the sport of rugby for Smith if his concussion injuries return. What a player. Speedy recovery, mate.
Riccardo
Guest
Fantastic opportunity for Jordie and Damien to stake their claims. Both have big black futures...