Clarke Dermody had no intention of being run out of town.
Smith duly takes his place behind the scrum for his 184th game for the Highlanders, and his last at home, for the must-win clash with the Queensland Reds at Forsyth Barr Stadium.
The master halfback is the focus of attention - he would rather the spotlight be on the whole team as it simply must deliver if it is to rescue something from the season - and the head coach has joined the chorus of praise for the departing great.
"I think genuinely world-class players like that are super competitive," Dermody said yesterday.
"So it’s that competition he brings to our environment, just that real will to win. I guess that’s why he’s got so much out of his frame for so long.
"Everyone talks about his professionalism. He plays big minutes in a pretty key position, so he’s managed to keep himself going for 183 games."
Dermody, who appeared 44 times in the front row for the Highlanders, did not get to play with Smith.
He has plenty to do with him since joining the club as a scrum coach and progressing to the top chair.
"He’s half a forward and half a back, so my dealings with him when I was first coming in as a coach were obviously only around the scrum.
"Naturally, when you’re in an environment with someone for a long time, you get to know them a bit better, and know them a bit more as a person.
"He’s hugely energetic. He obviously loves the club, and that’s probably the strongest trait that comes through whenever he’s around us.
"It’s a big moment for us as a team, and it would be great to send him off on a good note."
Shannon Frizell moves from lock to his preferred blindside, Pari Pari Parkinson returns from illness to join Max Hicks in the second row, Thomas Umaga-Jensen replaces Fetuli Paea at centre, and Mitch Hunt replaces Connor Garden-Bachop at fullback.
Hunt has made his name as a first five but has started five games in the No 15 jersey for the Highlanders and will be a cool head at the back.
"It’s just about having another playmaker," Dermody said.
"We were a bit disappointed with how we executed against the Rebels, and understanding how the Reds defend, and the pressure they put on, we’re just trying to get another playmaker out there to make the most of that ball."
Parkinson has not had the best of seasons between three yellow cards and the viral complaint that laid him low for nearly a month, but the big man is fired up to compete against the vigorous Reds.
"You can only base it on what we’ve seen on the training pitch, and he definitely looks like he’s energised and pretty active.
"He’s just a big frame, so it’s going to be good to get a target back out there at lineout time, and around our scrum and maul as well."
Dermody highlighted the Reds’ efficiency inside the 22m and how they pressured the Chiefs into making mistakes during their shock win in Hamilton two weeks ago.
"Their big, physical guys find their way over, so the kicking game is going to be important."
Reds coach and former Highlanders favourite Brad Thorn has made several changes to the side that lost to the Blues last week.
Veteran Wallabies star James O’Connor returns from concussion to the midfield, and the dangerous Hunter Paisami is back on the bench after a long knee injury layoff.
Peni Ravai, Matt Faessler and Zane Nonggorr form a new-look front row, and outstanding No 8 Harry Wilson returns to the starting side.
Tom Lynagh will start at first five for the first time since round three, and Mac Grealy makes his fifth start on the wing.
Highlanders v Reds
The teams
Highlanders: Mitch Hunt, Jonah Lowe, Thomas Umaga-Jensen, Sam Gilbert, Jona Nareki, Freddie Burns, Aaron Smith, Hugh Renton, Billy Harmon (captain), Shannon Frizell, Max Hicks, Pari Pari Parkinson, Jermaine Ainsley, Andrew Makalio, Ethan de Groot. Reserves: Rhys Marshall, Daniel Lienert-Brown, Saula Ma’u, Marino Mikaele-Tu’u, Sean Withy, Folau Fakatava, Connor Garden-Bachop, Scott Gregory.
Reds: Jock Campbell, Suliasi Vunivalu, Josh Flook, James O’Connor, Mac Grealy, Tom Lynagh, Tate McDermott, Harry Wilson, Fraser McReight, Liam Wright, Connor Vest, Angus Blyth, Zane Nonggorr, Matt Faessler, Peni Ravai. Reserves: Richie Asiata, Dane Zander, Sef Fa’agase, Jake Upfield, Seru Uru, Kalani Thomas, Lawson Creighton, Hunter Paisami.
