Robertson — regarded as the greatest centre New Zealand has produced — died peacefully on Friday night, aged 71.
He played 34 tests, and 102 games in total, for the All Blacks from 1972 to 1981 and represented Counties-Manukau for 135 games, leading the side to its sole NPC title in 1979.
Hurst, of Papakaio, debuted at second five for the All Blacks against Ireland in Dublin in 1973, with Robertson on his shoulder at centre.
The pair went on to play four of Hurst’s five tests together: another the same year against France in Paris, and twice against Australia, in Sydney and Brisbane, in 1974.
Hurst told the Otago Daily Times yesterday Robertson was the most "humble, unassuming gentleman".
"A very special athlete ... we all admired the grace and poise that he expressed on the rugby field," Hurst said.
"He was an exceptional, exceptional midfield centre and a delightful guy to have enjoyed playing alongside.
"He was a very natural athlete. He was very quick.
"He had a great eye for opportunities. He had an amazing ability to distribute the ball with a level of grace that few were able to emulate."
Away from the field, Robertson was a lovely man with a gentle personality, Hurst said.
"He enjoyed fun like the rest of us.
"He was never the centre of attention, but he was always very, very good company."
Counties-Manukau chief executive Aaron Lawton paid tribute to one of the union’s greatest All Blacks.
"Bruce was an iconic player and a true rugby servant. He leaves a lasting legacy at our union and would have been incredibly proud to watch his grandson Jadin pull on the hoops last year," Lawton said.
The union is working with Robertson’s family, including wife Nellie, to hold a public service at the Counties-Manukau stadium.
In the statement issued on Saturday, his family acknowledged and thanked "everyone for their love and support at this time".
Robertson’s status with Counties rugby is summed up by a public vote the union held to determine its greatest player.
After fans had voted, the names were handed over to a panel of experts to make up a list of the top 15 players to have played for the province.
Robertson was placed in top spot.
"The brilliant centre of the 1970s and early ’80s was ahead of his time. Silky skills, beautiful hands, pace and swerve and was someone that never seemed to play a bad game," his citation read.
"Robertson made his Counties debut in 1971 aged 19 and went on to play 135 games before his retirement in 1982."
His son-in-law, Dion Kingi, and grandson Jadin Kingi have gone on to play for Counties.
Robertson’s All Black career spanned nine years.
He ended his test career against the touring Scotland team in 1981, a decision that took him out of contention for the controversial 1981 Springbok tour of New Zealand.
— Additional reporting The New Zealand Herald
