Smith (28), the seemingly indestructible openside flanker for the Brumbies and Australia, will run out for his 10th year of Super rugby competition at Carisbrook tomorrow night, and says he is not tiring of the professional game.
"I'm enjoying every part of it, especially this year. It was a bit different last year, as we had a number of injuries that exposed a number of players.
"But with the experience they have gained with Super 14, they have really come along and are now fit and healthy," he said.
His own body felt good after taking five weeks off, after the end of the Wallabies northern tour last year.
"It was great getting up and knowing you are not having to go up and run on the track and pick up a football. It was good for me and spend time with my family."
He relaxed with time on Sydney beaches, and came back into the Brumbies camp in the new year.
"I feel like I can go on forever. I'd love to play 100 tests and that is attainable. But that is in the future. How you do in the Super 14 will decide that.
"I'm not a certainty. If you're not trying to improve yourself as a player, then that has to be dangerous. Jerseys you have to earn, rather than be given."
He had high praise for new Wallabies coach Robbie Deans, saying his simplistic approach to the game told in the way the side played attacking rugby.
Coach Andy Friend said the Brumbies had to improve their physicality, which was missing in a 17-14 loss to the Waratahs in their final pre-season match last Friday.
Friend is in his first year as Brumbies coach, replacing Laurie Fisher, and said the side was building on the legacy of the Brumbies, while also bringing in its own innovations.
The Brumbies had experienced mixed results in recent years, which came downto mental application.
"It is absolutely critical to play well in the first game and win well but you've got to do your fundamentals first."
Friend coached Harlequins in England for three years before returning to Australia and he is joined by two former Wallabies and Brumbies forwards, with Owen Finegan coaching the forwards and Bill Young as scrum coach.
Canberra has been sweltering in 40degC temperatures over the weekend, but Friend said the cooler temperatures in Dunedin should not be a problem.
He named his side yesterday with Wallabies Stirling Mortlock and Adam Ashley-Cooper to pair up in the midfield.
In the pack, Wallabies and former Reds hooker Stephen Moore will start between regular props Nic Henderson and Guy Shepherdson.
Henderson has not missed a Super 14 match since the first round in 2004.
Winger Clyde Rathbone makes his first start after nearly two years out of action because of a knee injury.
