The glory of last year's Highlanders season gets a good airing in the latest New Zealand Rugby Almanack.
The almanack as usual gives an insight into all rugby played by national teams and in the country in 2015.
Not surprisingly, both Ben Smith and Aaron Smith are named as players of the year.
Also named as players of the year are Ma'a Nonu, Nehe Milner-Skudder and Dane Coles.
Ben Smith was described in the almanack as a player who had a modest start to his career and it was not until 2013 that he cemented his place in the All Black team.
A move to fullback happened the following year and excellent displays back there meant he was the first choice fullback at last year's World Cup.
The almanack said Smith's talents include his vision of opportunities across the whole field, his safety with the high ball and the frequency in which he recovered the kick and chase and turn them into attacking opportunities.
Aaron Smith has become the first-choice halfback for the All Blacks since 2012 and has played 47 tests.
Up to the start of this season, Smith had played 78 games for the Highlanders and had played in 69 of the last 71 games for the Highlanders.
The only two games he missed were the two matches when he had to be stood down last year, as part of preparations for the World Cup.
His resilience was displayed in his early years, when he played every game for Manawatu - 37- over three seasons at the start of his first-class career.
Smith was described in the almanack as being without equal in speed, distance and accuracy of the pass.
He was said to be fearless on defence and his decision-making and speed through the gap has led to many tries.
He is rightly being compared to the all time greats.
The Highlanders' rise from 14th in 2013 to champions last year is described as meteoric progress.
The side's try-scoring record went from 42 in 2014 to 63 last year which was a rise of 50%.
The forward pack was said to be never found wanting and though it was hard to identify a single star in the forwards, Elliot Dixon was worth watching.
Five Highlanders make an almanack New Zealand Super rugby starting XV: two Smiths, Waisake Naholo, Malakai Fekitoa and Lima Sopoaga. Liam Coltman and Dixon are on the bench.
Otago's attacking intent in the ITM Cup was shown by it scoring the most tries of any team - 47 - in the competition.
But it also conceded almost as many, having 40 tries scored against it.
