Rugby: Smith fronts up ahead of milestone match

Aaron Smith gets near the tryline during the Highlanders-Force game at Forsyth Barr Stadium last...
Aaron Smith gets near the tryline during the Highlanders-Force game at Forsyth Barr Stadium last month. Photo by Gerard O'Brien.
Highlanders halfback Aaron Smith will play his 50th game for the Highlanders tonight. Rugby writer Steve Hepburn puts 10 questions to him.

1) What is your most vivid memory of the first game you played, against the Bulls in Pretoria in 2011?

''I remember sitting on the bench listening to a very hostile and vocal crowd! The actual game is a bit of a blur but I remember when I came on when we had a good lead but the Bulls staged a massive comeback.''

(The Highlanders won the match.)

2) Best game for Highlanders you have played in?

''The first game against the Crusaders at Forsyth Barr Stadium in 2012. Big crowd, awesome game, plus a lot of drama with the big screen clock not working properly.''

3) Any superstitious pre-match rituals?

''I make sure my left boot goes on first, have an adidas sweat band that I've worn in every game - it's pretty smelly now - and I always touch the grass when I run out.''

4) What is the slowest part of match day?

''The time after you have a pre-match feed [about three hours prior to kick-off], because you know the game is close and I start to get excited.''

5) Player you dislike playing against the most?

''No-one in particular. I love playing Super rugby as there are so many world-class halfbacks to play against. I love the challenge.''

6) Most annoying team-mate and why?

''Would have to be Joey Wheeler and him talking about his cricket days and how he should have been a Black Cap.''

7) Best city visited and why?

''Cape Town. Always awesome weather, great, fresh seafood and Newlands is a wicked place to play.''

8) Worst city visited and why?

''Johannesburg, just because it's so dangerous and you can't leave the hotel and the altitude makes it hard to breathe during the game.

9) If you could change one thing about professional rugby, what would it be?

''Injuries ... I wish them on no-one.''

10) How many times do you cut your team-mates' hair in a year?

''I've got one of the players lined up at least once a week. On tour I get a few more.''

 

 

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