Razor's pursuit of 'hard bastard' Sam Whitelock reveals the ugly truth about the modern All Blacks
Talk of Sam Whitelock returning home tells us a few things. First, we lack genuinely hard men in New Zealand rugby. We have locks,…
Accomplished All Blacks outside back Ben Smith will leave New Zealand to play rugby in France after next year’s Rugby World Cup.
The classy 76-Test wing/fullback has signed to play for French Top 14 club Pau, which has contracted numerous former New Zealand Test players in recent years and is coached by ex All Black Simon Mannix.
Smith, 32, made his Test debut in 2009 but became a mainstay of the world champions’ starting XV when Steve Hansen took over as coach in 2012.
Regarded for much of that time as the world’s premier fullback, his versatility also meant he was fielded on the wing numerous times, along with a short stint at outside centre.
A genuine all-rounder, Smith boasts speed, a strong aerial game and decision-making ability which was matched by few of his peers.
He was pragmatic about his decision.
“I realise that my playing time with Otago, the Highlanders and the All Blacks now has an end point,” Smith said.
“In your heart you want to play forever, but in your head you know that’s not possible. In the playing time I have remaining, I’m pretty keen to experience a fresh, new challenge.”
Smith played 144 games for the Highlanders and was part of the team who won the 2015 final against the Hurricanes.
Later that year, he was a key figure in the World Cup-winning All Blacks squad.
© AAP
Join The Roar rugby editor Christy Doran, former Wallaby Matt Toomua and a cast of regular and special guests as they look at the biggest issues in the game on The Roar Rugby Podcast. If you’re looking for great odds on the next game check out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Chances are you’re about to lose. Set a deposit limit.
Talk of Sam Whitelock returning home tells us a few things. First, we lack genuinely hard men in New Zealand rugby. We have locks,…
He is still remarkably the only player to have pulled on the jerseys of both Australia and New Zealand, which elevates him to legendary status.
In a real professional sport, such as football, international managers are fixtures in the stands at club matches. Their players are often far flung…
The Crusaders have suffered another potential blow as their ill-fated Super Rugby defence lurches from bad to worse - and Sonny Bill Williams has…
I’ve seldom been happier to see the All Blacks lose, than during their 2020 and 2022 defeats to Argentina. Now, I don’t relish seeing…
It was the was the ultimate mix of old and new; and the greatest display of wet weather rugby we’re ever likely to see.…