Both Highlanders assistant coaches were in the team that pulled off one of the great wins when they upset the Crusaders in Nelson in 2011.
Lynn was at centre and, unusually, Smith was not at fullback but at second five in a 26-18 win that followed a depressingly familiar smashing at Carisbrook a month earlier.
"We talk about that a bit, actually," Lynn said yesterday.
"The other day at training, maybe two weeks ago, we were a bit short and we jumped into the midfield and straight away we reminisced about that game."
The present-day Crusaders are struggling through a very poor season and are fresh off their first loss to the Reds in Christchurch in 25 years.
Understandably, the Highlanders are not going to create headlines by making any bold predictions about beating up their battling rivals at Forsyth Barr Stadium on Saturday night.
Lynn settled for acknowledging it was a special occasion for the southern Super Rugby sides and their neighbouring fans.
He said the win over Moana Pasifika in Tonga at the weekend had certainly helped boost the Highlanders’ self-belief.
"[The fact that] he was able to start, lead the week, lead the team ... and to play like he did as a 10 in those conditions was really good," Lynn said.
"I’m really, really happy for him. The way he kind of conducted himself in the game was really good. He was confident, he led well.
"There were moments when, say, Billy Harmon wasn’t able to be in some of the huddles and Cam was leading and talking in those.
"So not only what we saw in the variety of kicks and being able to execute under pressure in those conditions, it was as much as how he was actually leading the group."
Lynn came home from France late last year to rejoin his former club as attack coach.
The Highlanders have not always convinced in that area this season, but Lynn is quietly confident things are heading in the right direction.
"We’re capable of creating a lot in attack in the way we play.
"That’s been good. Where we can get a lot better is how we finish once we get into the opposition 22m, whether that be through set piece or finishing line breaks or creating more pressure.
"I’m liking how the team is growing in the kicking game, how they understand when to kick, understanding the momentum and how to position teams to find kick space."
The Highlanders should be close to full strength for the Crusaders game, knowing a win will come close to securing a spot in the playoffs.
Winger Connor Garden-Bachop is still being assessed after leaving the field in Tonga with a head knock and is a doubtful starter.
